Arch of Septimius Severus

The Arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 203 AD in the Roman Forum, is an imposing monument that celebrates the victories of the emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, in military campaigns against the Parthians. This triumphal arch, 23 meters high and 25 meters wide, is one of the most grandiose and well-preserved examples of Roman architecture, symbolizing the power and glory of the Roman Empire. The structure of the arch is built in white marble and features three arches, with the central passage wider and taller than the lateral ones. The arch is richly decorated with reliefs illustrating the military campaigns and victories of the emperor, offering a detailed narrative of the battles and historical events. The reliefs are characterized by a high level of detail and a lively representation of war scenes, with figures of soldiers, horses, and defeated enemies. An interesting element of the Arch of Septimius Severus is the dedicatory inscription placed above the central arch. Originally, the inscription mentioned Septimius Severus and his two sons, but after the assassination of Geta by order of his brother Caracalla, Geta’s name was erased by Caracalla himself, a clear example of damnatio memoriae practice. A fascinating anecdote concerns the restoration of the arch during the Renaissance. In the 16th century, the arch was partially buried under debris and accumulated earth over the centuries. It was only thanks to archaeological excavations and restorations commissioned by the popes of the time that the arch was brought to light and restored to its original magnificence.