Arch of Constantine

Welcome to the shadow of the Colosseum, where we stand before the Arch of Constantine, the 'largest of its kind from ancient Rome still standing proud'. This triumphal arch, completed in the year 315, was erected by the Roman…

Starting at the very top of the arch, you will see several large, free-standing statues that stand about 10 feet tall. These figures were 'borrowed' from a monument to the Emperor Trajan and represent 'Dacian prisoners'. …

Lower down, situated between the columns, you will find eight circular reliefs known as roundels or 'tondi'. These are some of the 'most beautiful' decorations on the arch and were taken from a monument to the Emperor Hadrian. …

Now, look at the narrow band of carvings that wraps entirely around the arch, just above the side openings; this is the 'Constantinian frieze,' the only major narrative sculpture actually made during Constantine's reign. You will…

The 'grand finale' of the Constantinian frieze is the depiction of the Battle of Milvian Bridge, located on the south side of the arch. This scene is vital because it represents the moment Constantine took control of the 'Western…

Moving to the north side of the arch, facing the city, we see the final acts of Constantine's triumph: the 'Oratio' and the 'Liberalitas'. The Oratio shows the emperor standing on a high platform or rostrum in the Roman Forum,…

Finally, don't forget to look at the 'lower levels' of the arch, where you can see additional carvings in the spandrels—the triangular spaces above the arches. These mostly show figures of 'Victory' holding palms and trophies, as…

As you walk away from the Arch of Constantine toward the Colosseum, take a moment to look back and consider how this single monument 'sums up' the Roman world. It is a building made of pieces of the past, used to secure a vision…