Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus is one of the most iconic and fascinating monuments of the Roman Forum, a silent witness to the glories and tragedies of the Roman Empire. Erected in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian to commemorate his brother Titus’ victory in the First Jewish War (66-70 AD), this arch celebrates the capture of Jerusalem and the looting of the Temple of Jerusalem. Located on the northern slopes of the Palatine Hill, the structure is a magnificent example of Roman triumphal architecture. The arch, of imposing dimensions (15.40 meters high, 13.50 meters wide, and 4.70 meters deep), is built with an external facing of Pentelic marble, a travertine base, and an internal core of concrete. Its sturdy structure is distinguished by a single arch, framed by columns with composite capitals supporting a richly decorated entablature. Detailed reliefs depicting episodes of Titus’ triumph adorn the two main facades. The most famous relief depicts Titus’ triumphal entry into Rome, with the emperor portrayed in a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, crowned by a winged Victory. This scene is a powerful expression of imperial propaganda, aimed at exalting Titus’ glory and deification. The other significant scene shows the triumphal procession carrying the sacred treasures taken from the Temple of Jerusalem, including the famous seven-branched menorah, silver trumpets, and the table of showbread. These reliefs are extraordinary not only for their artistic quality but also for their ability to convey a sense of movement and spatial depth, significant stylistic innovations for the time. The interior of the arch is decorated with a coffered vault, in the center of which is depicted the scene of Titus’ apotheosis, lifted towards the sky by an eagle, symbol of his deification. This element pays posthumous homage to the emperor, emphasizing the continuity and legitimacy of the Flavian dynasty. During the Middle Ages, the arch was incorporated into the defensive walls of the Frangipane family, who used its structure as part of a fortification. This reuse contributed to its preservation, protecting it from the ravages of time and warfare. In the following centuries, the arch became a subject of great interest for scholars and artists of the Renaissance, who admired it as a model of classical architecture. In the 19th century, the arch underwent significant restoration under the direction of architect Giuseppe Valadier, who worked to restore the monument to its original appearance by removing medieval additions and stabilizing the structure. These interventions have allowed the arch to be preserved as one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. An interesting anecdote related to the Arch of Titus concerns the Jewish community of Rome. It is said that Jews avoided passing under the arch to not honor their ancient oppressors. This anecdote, also reported by Madame de Stael in 1807, reflects the deep symbolic significance of the arch as a monument to Roman victory and, at the same time, as a reminder of the Jewish diaspora.