ARCH OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS

Description

Essentials about the Arch of Septimius Severus in brief

The Arch of Septimius Severus is a three-arched triumphal arch on the Roman Forum. Along with the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus, it is one of three remaining imperial triumphal arches in Rome.

The history of the Arch of Septimius Severus

It was built in honor of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta in 203 to commemorate their martial successes against the Parthians. The triumphal arch stands at the northwestern end of the Roman Forum. The Via Sacra leads through the central arch towards the Capitoline Hill. Since the arch was incorporated into fortifications during the Middle Ages, it is still in very good condition and is one of the most intact Roman monuments in all of Rome.

The architecture of the Arch of Septimius Severus

The three-arched arch, which represents an outstanding example of Severan architecture, is made of travertine in the foundation area, the superstructure was executed with bricks and covered with Pentelic marble. Steps lead up to the arch from the forum. The monument is about 21 meters high, 23 meters wide and 11 meters deep. At the time of its construction, the Arch of Septimius Severus was the largest arch at the Roman Forum, but was later surpassed by the Arch of Constantine.

The reliefs of the Arch of Septimius Severus

The relief panels at the top show different phases of the war between the Romans and the Parthians. Other panels show Romans capturing barbarians. Originally, the arch was crowned by a bronze quadriga with statues of Emperor Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta. Bronze inscriptions in the superstructure dedicated the arch to Septimius Severus and his two sons, however, shortly after Septimius’ death, Carcalla killed his brother Geta and had his name removed from the arch.