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Symbolic monuments -

The city of ancient Rome boasted many architectural marvels during the time of the empire, including temples used for worship and the Colosseum that served as an amphitheater for games. But triumphal arches stood out as one of the rare Roman structures built purely for symbolism rather than function.

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Historical records -

Because triumphal arches were covered in sculptures and inscriptions, they provide modern historians with a wealth of information about Rome’s military campaigns, artistic styles, and political messaging. Their excellent preservation has allowed scholars to study them for centuries.

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Triumphal parade -

The triumphal arch evolved from the tradition of triumphal parades, where victorious generals publicly showcased their military success. These parades were extravagant, city-wide celebrations that allowed generals to gain popularity and display Rome’s dominance through the spoils of war.

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The path of the parade -

During a triumphal parade, the victorious general (dressed in royal robes) rode through Rome in a chariot, followed by senators, soldiers, and chariots filled with treasures from conquered lands. The parade ended at Capitoline Hill with feasts and games that could last for days.

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Significance -

The parade passed through the porta triumphalis, a symbolic gate in the city walls that could not be used unless a general had been awarded a triumph. By crossing this threshold, the general officially surrendered his military authority, since this marked the transition from war back to peacetime.

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Spreading through the city -

Over the centuries, the porta triumphalis became a deeply ingrained part of celebrating a victory and the might of Rome. As such, the people erected many of these arches throughout the city, perhaps to recall and reinforce the golden era of Roman conquest..

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Early triumphal arches -

Although no triumphal arches from the Roman Republic survive, literary sources confirm their existence. They were likely temporary wooden structures built solely for celebrations, but they were later dismantled.

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The first arch -

In 201 BCE, General Scipio Africanus ordered a triumphal arch be built on Capitoline Hill to commemorate his victory in the Second Punic War. Historical records suggest the arch was adorned with two horses and seven gilded statues, which sat atop.

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Following suit -

In 121 BCE, General Quintus Fabius Maximus erected a triumphal arch of his own in Rome after his victory over the Celtic Allobroges in France. By the time construction was underway, General Scipio’s arch was likely already gone.

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Temporary -

As mentioned, triumphal arches built during the Roman Republic were often wooden structures. They were richly decorated but designed to last only for the duration of the victory celebrations. After the festivities ended, these temporary monuments were dismantled and forgotten.

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The emperor’s control -

When Augustus became Rome’s first emperor, he reserved the privilege of building triumphal arches for himself and his family. This prevented military generals from using them to gain public support, and ensured all victories were credited to the emperor alone.

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Imperial propaganda -

Triumphal arches became tools of political propaganda under the emperors. Instead of celebrating individual generals and their military campaigns, they glorified the emperor’s power, reinforcing his divine authority and reminding citizens of his ability to expand and protect the empire.

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The transition to permanent materials -

Unlike the wooden arches of the Republic, imperial triumphal arches were built from stone and Roman cement (called opus caementicium). These materials ensured their longevity and made them lasting reminders of Rome’s military achievements and the emperor’s greatness.

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Changing arch design -

Triumphal arches grew larger during the empire, with some extending up to 37 feet (11.3 meters) from front to back. This change allowed architects to create more detailed sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions that enhanced the monument’s storytelling and visual impact.

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Multiple arches -

Later triumphal arches featured two smaller side arches flanking the main arch. This not only strengthened the structure, but also provided additional space for elaborate carvings that made them even more visually impressive.

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The attic -

The attic, or uppermost section of the arch, became an important area strictly used for inscriptions and artwork. It often featured battle scenes, weapons taken from the defeated, and statues of the victorious emperor in a chariot, all to symbolize his dominance.

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Early imperial arches -

The earliest triumphal arches, built under Augustus, had a plain and somewhat awkward design. They lacked the intricate sculptural details that would later define the grand and highly decorative triumphal arches of the Roman Empire.

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Foreign artistic styles -

As Roman architects encountered Hellenistic, Syrian, and Mesopotamian art and architecture, they began incorporating these influences into their designs. This led to more elaborate and beautifully balanced arches, such as the Arch of Titus, which blended different artistic traditions.

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The Arch of Titus -

Built in 81 CE on the main street of ancient Rome (called the Via Sacra), the Arch of Titus is the oldest surviving triumphal arch in Rome. It commemorates the Roman victory in the Jewish War and the capture of Jerusalem by Emperor Titus 11 years earlier.

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Military commemoration -

Many triumphal arches, both during the republic and empire, were built to celebrate specific military victories, although imperial constructions were built only for emperors. These structures served as permanent testaments to the city’s military strength.

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The Arch of Septimius Severus -

Erected between 203 and 205 CE in the Roman Forum, this grand arch honored Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons for their victories over the Parthians in Arabia and Assyria. The arch was richly decorated with intricate reliefs.

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The Arch of Constantine -

Built between 312 and 315 CE, the Arch of Constantine commemorates the emperor’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Standing near the Colosseum, it is one of the best-preserved and most elaborate triumphal arches in Rome.

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A towering statement of power -

At 69 feet (21 meters) tall, the Arch of Constantine is an architectural marvel. Its large, detailed reliefs and inscriptions praise Constantine’s military success and, as was customary for emperors, refer to him as “the greatest, pious, and blessed Augustus.”

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Artistic recycling -

Constantine reused sculptures from earlier Roman monuments to decorate his arch, a practice known as spolia. This included statues of Dacian prisoners that stand almost 10 feet (three meters) tall, originally from Trajan’s Forum—built two centuries earlier.

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Civic achievements -

Not all triumphal arches celebrated military victories. Some, such as the Arch of Augustus in Rimini, commemorated infrastructure projects like the restoration of roads. The monument was designed to highlight Rome’s commitment to civic development.

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Across the empire -

Interestingly, triumphal arches were not strictly confined to the imperial capital. Indeed, provinces across the empire built them to honor emperors. For example, the four-way Arch of Septimius Severus in the now-ruined city of Leptis Magna (in modern-day Libya) was commissioned to commemorate the birthplace of the emperor.

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Inspiration -

The grand design of Roman triumphal arches influenced later European rulers, such as Charles V and Napoleon, who sought to replicate their monumental style to assert their own power. Some cities that had never had Roman arches were seen constructing their own in similar style.

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Arc de Triomphe -

A notable example is Napoleon’s commissioning of the Arc de Triomphe in 1806. The Parisian arch was designed by Jean Chalgrin as a patriotic monument that honored those who fought and perished in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

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Lasting legacy -

Even long after Rome’s fall, the triumphal arch remains a powerful architectural symbol. Many cities worldwide have adopted the design for monuments, and it is certainly a victory for ancient Rome to see its influence survive longer than the empire itself.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Britannica) (Walks Inside Rome)

See also: What if the Roman Empire never fell?

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