Arch of Septimius Severus

Rome, Italy

The white marble Arch of Septimius Severus at the northwest end of the Roman Forum is a triumphal arch dedicated in AD 203 to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus.  and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta.

After the death of Septimius Severus, his sons Caracalla and Geta were initially joint emperors. Caracalla had Geta assassinated in 212; Geta's memorials were destroyed and all images or mentions of him were removed from public buildings and monuments. Accordingly, Geta's image and inscriptions referring to him were removed from the arch.

The arch was raised on a travertine base originally approached by steps from the Forum's ancient level. The central archway, spanned by a richly coffered semicircular vault, has lateral openings to each side archway, a feature copied in many Early Modern triumphal arches. The Arch is about 23 metres in height, 25 metres in width and 11.85 metres deep.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Via della Curia 4, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

Details

Founded: 203 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Brad (10 months ago)
I have always enjoyed seeing the Arch of Septimius Severus situated in the northwest corner of the Roman. This is one of the most complete structures found amongst so many old building ruins of Ancient Rome. It dates back to 202-03 AD and celebrates Emperor Septimius Severus military victories over the Parthians several years earlier. Made of marble, it is 26.5 metres tall, 23 metres wide and adorned with reliefs of battle scenes and other ornamentation. It includes a large centre arch along with two small passageways. You can see it up close from ground level with the paid entry ticket for the Roman Forum. However, you can see it quite wall from the public walkway up to Piazza del Campidoglio. From here you are really close and and have even higher viewing vantage point.
Anthony Manmohan (11 months ago)
First black Emperor who invited England and tried to take Scotland without any real success. He died in York, England UK
Robert Chomicz (2 years ago)
Quite possibly the best preserved triumphal arch in Rome and perhaps the most beautiful. The arch was built at the tail end of Rome's imperial zenith and the detail as well as the high level of execution reflect Rome's sophistication at the time. You should not miss this one while at the Forum.
Marius Bancila (2 years ago)
Impressive how the arch stood the passing of time and still looks strong while the forum laid in ruin.
Pamela Howlett (2 years ago)
This arch was built by the Emperor Septimius Severus in celebration of his military victories. Located in the midst of the Roman Forum. It was built in 203 CE and it is remarkably preserved.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.