Arch of Septimius Severus

Arch of Septimius Severus

The Arch of Septimius Severus is one of the two surviving triumphal arches in the Roman Forum. It stands at the northwest end of the Roman Forum and is constructed from white marble, dating back to 203 AD. The arch was built to honor Emperor Septimius Severus (emperor Septimius Severus) and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, for their victories over the Parthians in 194 or 195 and again from 197 to 199.

The Arch of Septimius Severus stands 23 meters high and 25 meters wide, featuring three archways — a large central arch flanked by two smaller side arches — adorned with vivid reliefs and intricate decorations. The central arch is 12 meters high, while the two side arches are each 7.8 meters high. During the Middle Ages, repeated flooding deposited layers of sediment that eroded many of the original reliefs. These were repainted in 1742, although only the upper portions of the arch remain clearly visible today. The arch has remained relatively well-preserved largely because it was incorporated into the structure of a basilica in ancient times. When the church was later relocated, the arch retained its ecclesiastical significance, allowing it to survive to this day without being replaced by other constructions.

Rome’s most famous triumphal arch, the Arch of Constantine built in 315 AD, was greatly influenced by the Arch of Septimius Severus. This speaks to the considerable impact of the latter.

Arch of Septimius Severus

Must-visit reason: One of the oldest triumphal arches in Rome

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]