Arch of Constantine

Overview

Sitting massively right next to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine is the largest, most spectacular, and most heavily preserved triumphal arch in ancient Rome. It serves as a monumental, highly symbolic bridge between the classical Roman world and the rising Christian empire.

Highlights

• The Scale: Standing 21 metres high, the massive three-arched structure is deeply overpowering when standing right at its massive travertine base.
• The Cannibalization: The arch is heavily famous for being a massive spolia (reused material) structure. Look closely—almost all the brilliant, massive round medallions, square reliefs, and statues on the top half were aggressively hacked off older monuments of previous emperors (Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius) and slapped onto this arch.
• The Inscription: Read the massive Latin inscription in the center fiercely attributing Constantine's massive victory to either the "inspiration of the divine" (a brilliant pagan/Christian ambiguity).

History

Commissioned decisively by the Roman Senate in exactly 315 AD to heavily celebrate Emperor Constantine's massive, pivotal victory over Maxentius at the deeply bloody Battle of the Milvian Bridge. During this massive battle, Constantine supposedly witnessed the Christian cross in the sky. It is crucially considered the very LAST massive pagan monument ever built in Rome before the massive Christian takeover.

Visitor Tips

• Photography: The absolute most iconic, sweeping photo of the Colosseum is taken directly through the central, massively soaring arch of this monument.
• : It is wildly, beautifully illuminated with heavy gold spotlights at night, making the massive deep reliefs jump out significantly more than in the flat midday sun.