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Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus is a single triumphal arch located on the Sacra Via. It was erected around 81 AD by the Senate and People of Rome to commemorate Titus and his capture of Jerusalem following his death. 
The arch is around 14 meters wide and more than 15 meters high. On each side of the arch is a pair of fluted columns and composite capitals. The spandrels have reliefs of Victorias, while the keystones have fragmentary figures. The frieze of the entablature running around the arch depicts a triumphal procession. 
In the center of the coffered ceiling is a depiction of the apotheosis of Titus, which shows an eagle carrying the deified emperor into the heavens. Reliefs on the walls of the archway has two scenes from the triumph Titus celebrated with his father Vespasian in 71 AD following the defeat of the rebellion in Judea. This includes one scene with Titus on a chariot being led by Roma and another showing the spoils of the Temple of Solomon, including a seven-branched menorah.

Inscription

SENATUS
POPOLUSQUE ROMANUS

DIVO TITO DIVI VESPASIANI F(ilio)
VISPASIANO AUGUSTO

​

The Senate and the People of Rome [dedicated this arch] to the deified Titus Vespasian Augustus, son of the deified Vespasian

Menorah in Triumphal Procession

Sources

A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome by L. Richardson, Jr.

Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide by Amanda Claridge

Rome Alive: A Source Guide to the Ancient City, Vol. 1 by Bolchazy-Carducci

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Created by David Hendrix Copyright 2016
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