Arch of Titus
Type:
Triumphal arches,
Monuments
Date:
ca. 81 CE
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Italy
Medium:
Marble
Dimensions:
15.4 × 13.5 × 4.75 m
Description:
This triumphal arch, like many others of its kind, was erected as a formal gateway celebrating imperial military victories. The Arch of Titus (r. 79–81) was erected on the via Sacra in Rome after the death of Titus in 81 CE and commemorates his and his father Vespasian's capture of Jerusalem in 70 CE and victory over the Jewish rebellion in Judaea. In one panel, Titus appears in his triumphal quadriga (four-wheeled chariot) receiving the crown of victory. The seven-branched menorah appears on the arch along with other loot from the Jerusalem Temple. The menorah was originally painted with yellow ochre pigment.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1
Repository and Online Resources:
• Watch a video on the Arch of Titus posted at Smarthistory (with narration from Dr. Steven Fine and Dr. Beth Harris).
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
