Nowadays, only three triumphal arches are left in Rome, but there used to be many more. The remaining arches are the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Triumphal arches Rome
History
The triumphal arches were structures in the form of monumental arches erected to commemorate the victories of the emperors or field commanders in war.
The very first arches were unadorned wooden and/or brick structures. Later, all sorts of decorations were added.
Arch of Constantine
The Arco di Costantino is located right next to the Colosseum. It was built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Ponte Milvio in 312. At 25 meters high, it is the most impressive of the triumphal arches. The Arch of Constantine was restored in 2015.
Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus is located in the Roman Forum. It was built by Domitian in the year 81 to celebrate the victories of Vespasian and Titus in the Judeo-Roman Wars (66-135). During the Middle Ages, the Arco di Tito was used as part of a fortress built by the Frangipani. Only in 1821 was it restored to its original detached state by Giuseppe Valadier.
Arch of Septimius Severus
The Arco di Settimio Severo was built in 203, across the Via Sacra. Its construction was prompted by the victories of the emperor himself and his two sons Caracalla and Geta over the Parthians and Arabs.