Arch of Constantine- Rome, Italy

Both the triumphal arches outside the Forum were dedicated to the Emperor Constantine, though one is now known as the Arch of Janus - a name given to it in the Middle Ages for its double-faced arch (A god with two faces who could see both comings and goings, Janus was the protector of doors, gates, bridges and arches). Known as a quadrifrons arch, the Arch of Janus has 4 arches as it was built across a crossroads. The Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Tripoli is a similar construction though somewhat older.

By the time the Arch of Janus was built, Rome itself was no longer the centre of the Empire. Constantine had moved his capital to Constantinople, far to the east, some years before, and it seems most likely that this arch, dedicated as it was to the "Divine Constantines" was erected in the time of Constantine II, perhaps for an occasion such as his visiting the city. Monumental as it is, and the only example of a four-sided arch remaining in the city, it was actually built of "spolia" - masonry reclaimed from older buildings and ruins. Used as an trading area in the early Middle Ages, it owes much of its survival to its subsequent conversion and use right up to the early 19th century as a fortress.

The Arch of Constantine, adjacent to the Colosseum, was erected to commemorate Constantine's victory over the rebel forces of Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD that ended years of civil war. Although the Republican tradition decreed that triumphs were only to be awarded after victory over a foreign enemy, times had changed and emperors were ever accorded honours over and above mere men.

As with the Arch of Janus, a lot of recycled material went into the building of this arch - not only basic materials but also statues and reliefs, some of which were re-worked to more closely resemble the emperor. This arch is certainly the best-preserved of Rome's triumphal arches. Like that of Titus and Janus it was used for many years as part of a private family's fortifications.

Just as the Arch of Titus has huge - and tragic - significance for Jews, marking as it does the beginning of the Diaspora, the Arch of Constantine is of major significance to Christianity as it celebrates the victory that led Constantine to declare Christianity the official religion of the empire. Although not a Christian himself, the night before the battle Constantine had a vision of the Cross and the words, "By this sign, conquer." He obeyed the sign, the battle was won and the western world was changed forever.

Although in generally better condtion than the Arches of Titus and Septimius Severus, much the sculpture on Constantine's Arch is not of the same fine quality as these earlier works, yet another example of the decline of the city by this time. The Arch of Janus has lost all its sculptures as well as its attic and top.

Arch of Constantine, Rome

Rome Hotels

Arch of Constantine, Rome

Visiting Rome?

Visiting Rome?

Rome Hotels