Arch of Constantine
Type:
Triumphal arches,
Monuments
Date:
ca. 312–15
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Italy
Medium:
Marble
Dimensions:
21 × 25.9 × 7.4 m
Description:
This triumphal arch was erected between the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in honor of Emperor Constantine. It may have been started after Constantine's victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312, during which he defeated Maxentius. It has a triple-arch structure and is faced in marble. The imagery includes Sol Invinctus (i.e., the invincible solar deity), figures of Victory, personifications (seasons, river gods), and Constantine's siege of Verona and Milvian Bridge battle. Pieces spoliated from earlier imperial monuments, showing the deeds of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius, were modified (heads recut) before being added to the arch. In this way, the deeds of previous emperors could be attributed to Constantine as well.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
2
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
