Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome: description, history and interesting facts

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:47

The ancient city of Rome is full of historical and cultural attractions. Each architectural masterpiece tells about important events in the centuries-old history of the capital of Italy. One of the unique creations of the architecture of the heyday of the Roman Empire is located near the majestic Colosseum.

Archs in honor of the winners

The valiant commanders who returned victorious after a long war were always welcomed in the most solemn manner. Ancient Rome was no exception. Since ancient times, special stone structures were erected in honor of the victors, in which their feat was immortalized. Courageous warriors proudly drove into the city through the built arches, where they were solemnly greeted with honors by local residents.

However, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine, which will be discussed in the article, was not completed at the time of the victorious return of the emperor. This is the onlybuilding in Rome, erected after the victory in the civil war, because most often such buildings were created in honor of the triumph over an external enemy.

Emperor Constantine and his merits

Daring and ambitious Konstantin from childhood wanted to become an emperor, and for this purpose he went to any lengths, removing objectionable and hindering him from his path. The young man's father, a well-known commander, transfers his powers to his son before his death, and the Roman soldiers proclaim Constantine their emperor in advance.

At that time, the cruel despot Maxentius, who was hated by the city dwellers, ruled in Rome. A valiant warrior dreaming of the throne, who has chosen Christianity as his religion, sends his army to the enemy across the Alps. Knowing that Maxentius' forces far outnumber his army, Constantine prays for a long time, waiting for some heavenly sign.

Sign from above

In the annals there is a mention of a miracle that struck the enemy armies and surprised Constantine himself. After his requests for help in the upcoming battle, a cross from the sun's rays appears in the sky, and supposedly the inscription "Conquer by this" becomes visible in the clouds. The future emperor was confused, not knowing what to do, and at night Christ comes to him in a dream, urging him to go to war against the pagans and restore Christianity throughout the vast empire.

30-year-old Konstantin, inspired by signs, goes into battle and defeats the tyrant's large army. In 312, the head of Maxentius was brought to Rome so that all the inhabitants looked at the defeated despot, and he himselfConstantine sits on the long-awaited imperial throne.

Moving the capital

Only 2 years later, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine dedicated to the victory appears. Rome paid for such a long wait for the emperor by moving the capital to the city of Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul), which became a Christian religious center, and the ruler himself was canonized. Even the mention of all the feats of arms on the huge arch did not stop the young emperor, who did not appreciate such a belated attention.

The largest arch

The triumphal arch of Constantine, erected with the money collected by the Senate and the people, is the “youngest” building of its kind. The monumental structure consists of 3 spans, the largest one - the central one - and the winner on a decorated chariot was supposed to solemnly enter. The gigantic size and thickness of the marble arch make it one of the largest in the world. The powerful structure is surrounded by columns on both sides, the walls are decorated with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes of the victories of the valiant emperor.

Borrowing from other monuments

It is known that decorative statues and medallions transferred from other buildings were used to decorate the arch. The bas-reliefs dedicated to the victory of Constantine were actually taken from a historical monument erected in honor of the victory of another glorious commander, Marcus Aurelius. Two-meter medallions, located between the columns, described the events associated with another emperor, only the headthe ancient Roman ruler Hadrian has been replaced with an image of a fearless winner.

Such borrowing of elements from other historical monuments is explained by the fact that the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Constantine in Rome was built in a very short time. Although many do not agree with this version, considering the unusual "eclecticism" as a simple lack of funds. Researchers who have carefully studied the documents of those eras agree that the huge structure needed elements that would give it a special status, and therefore the design of the arch was carried out in such an unusual way. Be that as it may, the monument of amazing beauty amazes with the power and splendor of all living people.

lavishly embellished masterpiece

The triumphal arch of Constantine in Rome, whose architecture was copied from a similar building dedicated to Septimius Severus, was erected in such a way that it seems to everyone that it is based solely on mighty columns. Their lavishly decorated reliefs depict scenes of the captivity of wild barbarians by Roman soldiers. Above the central span of the arch rises a sculptural image of the goddess of victory - Victoria. These decorations date back to the reign of the conqueror of the Gentiles.

On the sides of the Arc de Triomphe of Emperor Constantine is decorated with medallions, on which the deities of the Moon and the Sun race in chariots. The inner and outer surfaces of the monument dedicated to the main triumph of the emperor are filled with sculpturalworks.

Dive into ancient history

The triumphal arch of Constantine is surrounded by a high fence so that tourists from all over the world do not steal the ancient masterpiece of world culture for souvenirs. It must be said that yellow marble suffers greatly from weather conditions and exhaust gases.

Thousands of visitors see amazing pictures every day, plunging into ancient history with long wars and bright, significant victories. The impressive building allows everyone to touch eternity, to forget about the vanity of the mortal world.