Arch of Janus

The Arch of Janus is an extraordinary monument of ancient Rome, located in the Forum Boarium. Built in the 4th century AD, this four-sided arch is one of the rarest and most fascinating examples of Roman architecture. The structure, approximately 16 meters high and 12 meters wide, is characterized by four symmetrical facades, each with a round arch, and a flat roof. Unlike other Roman triumphal arches, the Arch of Janus does not celebrate a single victory or event, but served as a commemorative structure and passage for merchants and travelers along the road that connected the Forum Boarium with the rest of the city. This monument is built of white marble blocks and decorated with reliefs depicting deities and allegorical personifications, including Juno, from which it takes its name, although there is no clear historical identification of a direct connection with the goddess. The exact function of the arch is still a subject of debate among historians, but it is generally considered a symbol of the commercial prosperity and economic stability of late imperial Rome. An interesting anecdote concerns the legend surrounding the Arch of Janus: it is said that during the Middle Ages, the arch was considered a refuge for criminals, who could find protection from the law by hiding among its columns. This has contributed to giving the arch an aura of mystery and fascination, which still persists today.