Arch of Constantine - Rome

Arch of Constantine - Rome
Originally uploaded by ptr.watts.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome is one of the panoramic images found on the PanoramicEarth.com Tour of Rome. There are over 100 images taken from around Rome linked to an interactive map.

Full 360° panorama of the Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine in Rome is situated next to the Colosseum in the Piazza del Colosseo. It was erected in AD 315 by the Senate to commemorate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. While Constantine claimed his victory followed a vision of Christ prior to battle, there is nothing at all Christian in the Arch. Many components and statues, medallions and reliefs featured on the Arch of Constantine were taken from older monuments. The reliefs on the inside of the central archway and those above on the sides of the Arch come from a monument depicting the victory of Trajan over the Dacians. Similarly, there are statues of Dacian prisoners taken from Trajan’s Forum.

The eight large medallions that adorn the Arch of Constantine depict hunting scenes and pastoral sacrifices. These were taken from an unknown monument erected by Hadrian. The eight high reliefs found at the top of the Arch of Constantine, above the outer arches, were taken from a monument to Marcus Aurelius. These depict a sacrifice, speeches to the army, a triumphal entry into Rome and one of him giving bread to the poor.

In fact, the only sculptural decorations on the Arch that come from the time of Constantine are the small bas-reliefs of the frieze and the victories and captives found at the bases of the columns. Nowadays, the Arch of Constantine is often passed by quickly and without a second glace by people heading for the Colosseum or the Roman Forum.

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Article written by Peter Watts on behalf of PanoramicEarth.com