Arch of Constantine, 312 AD, Rome, Italy

This was the last of many triumphal arches built over the centuries in Rome. The monument stands a grand 21-meter-high and 25.6-meter-wide rectangular block of grey and white marble consisting of three separate arches: one larger central arch with shorter and narrower arches on either side. All three arches express the same ratio of height and width. Dividing the arches are four detached Corinthian columns, each stood on a pedestal and topped with an entablature. In the shadows of the coliseum, the Arch of Constantine is one of the most influential examples of arches, used not only to celebrate victories but to bring order to the crowded streets of Ancient Rome- which at that time had a population in the region of 1.25 million.

The arch of Constantine was built to commemorate the Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Scenes of the battle are depicted on a rather coarsely sculptured band over the right- hand arch. The Arch is a huge conglomerate of imperial Roman sculpture as many parts of it were recycled from earlier 1st and 2nd century CE monuments, notably the marble panels of the attic which were taken from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius (c. 176 CE). There are 8 marble panels in total, four on each façade, showing scenes where the emperor, is either at war (south side) or conducting his civic duties (north side).

There is a Latin inscription, above the central arch, is a long one and is repeated on both sides of the arch. It reads:

IMP CAES FL CONSTANTINO MAXIMO
P F AUGUSTO SPQR
QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO
TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS
FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS
REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS
ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT

To the emperor Flavius Constantine the Great
pious and fortunate, the Senate and People of Rome
because by divine inspiration and his own greatness of spirit
with his army
on both the tyrant and all his
faction at once in rightful
battle he avenged the State
dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph.

The monument suffered in later times, becoming a part of a fortress under the Frangipane in the Middle Ages before being restored in the 15th century CE. Also, an extensive cleaning in the early 21st century has restored the monument to some of its former glory.

Sources:

Cartwright, Mark. "The Arch of Constantine, Rome." Ancient History Encyclopedia. 09 June 2013. Web.

Glancey, Jonathan. Architecture. London: DK, 2006. Print