The Arc de Triomphe of Septimius Severus (Arco di Settimio Severo) in Rome is a unique work of art created by unknown masters almost two millennia ago, expressing the idea of the greatness of a man-warrior and a man-creator of great and immortal art.
History of construction
A trip to Rome introduces us to three famous triumphal arches:
- Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito, the oldest, erected in 81 AD);
- Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino, built in 315 AD);
- Septimius Severus Arch (the construction of the late Roman period, dated 205 AD).
The Septimius Severus Arch appeared as part of the Forum Romanum complex of buildings in honor of two events: in honor of the 10th anniversary of the reign of the Emperor of the North and in the glory of Geta and Caracalla, the sons of the North, who defeated the Parthian army in a number of battles from 195 to 203.
- We recommend reading about terms of Caracalla
Therefore, the arch on both sides at the top (on the attic) presents to the attention of the audience a story of a stone carved on stone about the glorious exploits and accomplishments of the emperor Sever and his son Caracalla (during the construction of the arch, the inscription glorified Goethe too, but the cruel Caracalla, who sought power, killed his brother and ordered to erase Geta name from the arch of triumphs).
Septimius Severus himself indicated the place for construction, which was considered the most honorable in Ancient Rome. The location of the Arc de Triomphe in the northern sector of the Forum is symbolic: nearby is the center of ancient Rome marked with a round slab, and the arch itself is installed directly on the Sacred Road (Via Sacra) and connects two hills - the Palatium (Palatium) and the Capitoline (Monte Capitolino). Near the left are the ruins of the stands from which the speeches of renowned speakers sounded, the premises for the Senate. In addition to perpetuating the emperor’s accomplishments, the arch also performed the main functions: horse-drawn carriages drove through the central span to Capitol Hill, and the side spans served as roads for those who climbed the hill on foot.
Merits of Septimius Severus before Rome
The biography of Septimius Severus is well understood. It is known that he was born in northern Africa, received primary education in the family, then in Rome. The path of Septimius Severus is an example of a quick career take-off: from a legionary soldier to a senator, then a consul, later a commander in chief and to the emperor who brought glory to Rome.
The north was fond of astronomical observations and the study of works on celestial bodies, thanks to which he met the daughter of a priest who served the powerful deity Baal, Julia Domnaya, who later became the wife of Septimius. There is a legend that the wife predicted the glory of the emperor of Rome to the North. The fate of the North, indeed, was happy: he proved himself as a visionary and wise ruler, strengthening the army, taking care of the needs of the country and people. Another merit of the North to Rome is the expansion of the borders of the state thanks to a skillful foreign policy.
The north was glorified by brave campaigns in uncharted lands. In the latter, which was aimed at conquering the British lands and marked by brilliant victories over the Picts, Emperor Septimius Severus died of an old illness, was brought by his sons to his homeland and buried with military honors.
Architectural features
The Septimius Severus Arch is striking in size: it rises by more than 20 meters, is a little more than 23 meters wide and a little over 11 meters deep.
The arch was built as a permanent, so immediately it was made not of wood, but of brick, blocks and panels of lime tufa (travertine). The arch is faced with marble, all decorative elements and columns are also marble. The sophistication and complexity of the architectural solution attracts attention.
The arch has three spans with arches in the form of half-cylinders. The central span is higher than the side ones, which gives the massive building harmony and completeness, emphasizes the aspiration of the elements up. Inside the arch supports, passages are hidden that form a kind of internal space, which creates the illusion of lightness and airiness. Steps lead to the arch from the side of the Forum, there are steps inside: they allowed you to climb into the rooms inside the upper part of the building (attic). Marble slabs between arches-spans are decorated with elaborate relief paintings of the war of Rome with the state of Parthia:
- Episodes of preparation for military operations and central battles;
- A few images of the emperor, calling on the legionnaires to victory, and then leading the legendary army;
- Romans storming Ktesifon fortress on the banks of the Tigris River;
- Episode of the siege of the city of Seleucia by the Roman army and the victorious march on it
- The streets of the legions of Septimius Severus;
- Scenes of the surrender of King Parthia and the retreat of the enemy army.
The arch represents the history and geography of the victories of Septimius Severus: small arches adorn the figures representing the rivers, which had great battles led by the emperor in Syria, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Gaul, Britain.
The traditional element of reliefs is the image of the flying goddess of Victory - Victoria, as well as the god Mars and other ancient gods and heroes.
Column with capitals, uniting details in the spirit of different orders, also add splendor and monumentality to the arch. At the base of the columns are reliefs depicting legionnaire soldiers and captive enemies.
Due to the fact that the arch of the North was depicted on ancient Roman coins, it is known that on top it was decorated with an equestrian group of bronze - a quadriga on which the figures of the emperor and sons-heroes towered.
The emperor wanted to leave a memory of himself with the help of a colossal structure demonstrating wealth, power, and power of power.
How to get there
The arch is 950 meters (11 minutes walk) from the Colosseo Metro Station (line B). The tram number 3 (Parco Celio stop) opposite the Colosseum also goes to the Forum and the arch. Also nearby on piazza Venezia is the Altar of the Fatherland.
Using the map of Rome or this instruction, you can take a walk from the Vatican (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) to the Arc de Triomphe, walking alongside all the most significant sights of the great city.
You can see and comfortably admire all three Arches on our author’s tour of Rome at dawn without tourists.
Tickets, opening hours
The Arc de Triomphe of Septimius Severus is part of the Roman Forum complex of buildings. Entrance ticket to the Forum (Colosseum Tickets & Roman Forum - with a visit to the Coliseum and Palatine Hill) costs 12 euros. Visitors under 18 are free of charge.
You can buy a ticket on the spot or on the website www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm. A step-by-step instruction for independent purchase of a ticket without queues and intermediaries can be found here.
Entrance to the Forum is from 8.30 to 17.00 (18.00).
