Arch of Septimius Severus

Overview

Standing majestically at the northwestern end of the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, the Arch of Septimius Severus is a monumental white marble triumphal arch. Erected in 203 AD, this impressive structure was dedicated to Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, to commemorate their decisive victories over the Parthians in military campaigns waged between 194 and 199 AD. [3, 8] It features three archways: a larger central passage flanked by two smaller ones, all richly adorned with sculptural reliefs that narrate the emperor's military triumphs. [2, 7, 8] Today, it remains one of the best-preserved and most evocative Roman monuments, offering a tangible link to the power and artistry of the ancient Roman Empire. [2]

History & Cultural Background

The Arch of Septimius Severus was completed in 203 AD, marking the tenth anniversary of Emperor Septimius Severus's accession to power. [9] Its primary purpose was to celebrate the emperor's successful Parthian campaigns, which saw him sack the Parthian capital, Ctesiphon, and reclaim territory in the East. [5, 6] This grand arch served as a powerful propaganda tool, proclaiming the emperor's achievements and solidifying his legitimacy after a period of civil strife. [3] The inscription on the attic originally dedicated the arch to Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta. [2, 6] However, a dark chapter in Roman history saw Geta assassinated by his brother Caracalla in 212 AD. [3, 4, 9] In a practice known as 'damnatio memoriae', or 'condemnation of memory', Geta's name and images were systematically removed from public monuments, including the Arch of Septimius Severus, where his name was chiseled out of the dedicatory inscription. [3, 4, 6]

What Makes It Special

The Arch of Septimius Severus is a masterpiece of Roman engineering and art. Standing approximately 20.88 meters high and 23.27 meters wide, it was constructed from travertine and brick, and entirely clad in exquisite Pentelic or Proconnesian marble. [2, 5, 7] Its three arches are supported by four Corinthian columns, which frame the sumptuous decoration. [2] The arch's most striking features are its detailed narrative reliefs, which depict scenes from the Parthian wars. [2, 5] Four large panels on the attic illustrate key moments of the campaigns, including sieges and surrenders, while smaller friezes above the minor arches show triumphal processions with captured booty and prisoners. [2, 6, 7] In the archivolts of the central vault, winged victories carry trophies, and river divinities adorn the minor arches. [2] The arch's design, including the lateral openings connecting the side archways to the central one, influenced later triumphal arches. [3]

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• It is said that the location for the Arch of Septimius Severus was chosen because the emperor had a dream on that very spot, in which he climbed the horse of Pertinax, foreseeing his rise to the throne. [4, 5]
• During the Middle Ages, the arch found a new, rather unexpected, purpose: it was incorporated into a church and used as a fortress. [2, 7] This reuse ironically contributed to its remarkable preservation over centuries, as it protected the structure from complete dismantling for building materials. [2]
• Historians often describe such triumphal arches as ancient 'newspapers', with their reliefs serving as visual narratives to inform and impress the Roman populace about the emperor's military victories and achievements. [4]
• Originally, the summit of the arch was crowned by a grand bronze sculpture of Septimius Severus and his sons riding in a six-horse chariot (a quadriga), accompanied by soldiers, though this has long been lost to time. [7, 9]
• The large relief panels depicting the Parthian campaigns are meant to be 'read' from bottom to top, similar to Trajan's Column, guiding viewers through the chronological events of the wars. [5]

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Arch of Septimius Severus offers a profound journey back to the heart of ancient Rome. As it's located within the Roman Forum, you'll need a ticket to the Roman Forum and Colosseum archaeological area to get up close and appreciate its intricate carvings and imposing scale. [12, 13] The arch stands proudly near the base of the Capitoline Hill and is often one of the first major monuments visitors encounter upon entering the Forum from its northwestern side. [12] From afar, it dominates the Forum's landscape, and up close, the details of its marble reliefs, despite the wear of millennia, speak volumes about the artistic and political ambitions of its time. Imagine the roar of crowds, the vibrant colors that once adorned these sculptures, and the triumphal processions that once passed beneath its grand arches. It's a place where history whispers from every carved stone, inviting you to connect with a powerful past. [4]