Ancient Rome: Images and Pictures
photos by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
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The Arch of Constantine
(most photos from June 1999, some from March 1994)

Brief History:  This triple arch was erected in 315 A.D. to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at Saxa Rubra, but it incorporates fragments of sculptures from older monuments.  It has been under restoration for several years.  See below for the text of the inscription on the main façades.

click on any picture below to see a larger image


The East Façade (view looking West)


East Façade


Top Left Frieze

Central Inscription

Top Right Frieze

 

Left-Side Medallions (1999)

Left-Side Medallions (1994)

Right-Side Medallions

 
Statues of Captives on the East Side (close-up photos)
 

The West Façade (view looking East)


West Façade (1994)

West Façade (1999)

 

Top Left Frieze

Central Inscription (1994)

Central Inscription (1999)

Top Right Frieze

 
Statues of Captives on the West Side (close-up photos)



Left-Side Medallions

Right-Side Medallions (1994)

Right-Side Medallions (1999)

The North and South Sides


North Frieze
(photo missing due to 
renovations in 1999)
 
 
South Side Overview

North Side Overview

South Frieze
(photo missing)
 
 
Close-up of North Frieze

North Side Medallion

South Side Medallion

Close-up of South Frieze


The Dedicatory Inscription  (CIL 6.1139)
(Note: the same text is duplicated on both façades of the Arch)
[transcription courtesy of Bill Thayer]

IMP · CAES · FL · CONSTANTINO · MAXIMO
P · F · AVGVSTO   ·   S   ·   P   ·   Q   ·   R
QVOD INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITVDINE CVM EXERCITV SVO
TAM DE TYRANNO QVAM DE OMNI EIVS
FACTIONE VNO TEMPORE IVSTIS
REMPVBLICAM VLTVS EST ARMIS
ARCVM TRIVMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT
Expanded Text of First Two Lines:
IMPERATORI CAESARI FLAVIO CONSTANTINO MAXIMO
PIO FELICI AVGVSTO SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS

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This page was last updated on May 28, 2009
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