Triumphal arch

A triumphal arch is a structure in the shape of a monumental archway, usually built to celebrate a victory in war. The arch is invariably a free-standing structure, quite separate from city gates or walls. In its simplest form a triumphal arch consists of two pillars connected by an arch, crowned with a superstructure or attica on which a statue might be mounted or which bears commemorative inscriptions. More elaborate triumphal arches have more than one archway, typically three or five of varying sizes.

Roman triumphal arches

The tradition dates back to Ancient Rome and is connected to the custom of the Roman triumphs granted by the Senate. Surprisingly little is known about how the Romans used triumphal arches; the only ancient author who discussed them was Pliny the Elder, writing in the 1st century AD. They are not mentioned at all by Vitruvius, the 1st century BC writer on Roman architecture. Pliny describes them as being honorary monuments of unusual importance, erected to commemorate triumphs. By the 2nd century arches were being erected to commemorate other events, such as the surviving triumphal arch at Ancona, erected by a grateful city to commemorate Trajan's improvements to the harbor.

Related Topics:
Ancient Rome - Roman triumph - Pliny the Elder - 1st century - Vitruvius - 1st century BC - 2nd century - Ancona - Trajan

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It is unclear when the Romans first began erecting triumphal arches. They originated some time during the Roman Republican era, during which time three were erected in Rome, the earliest being one to Lucius Stertinius built in 196 BC. These appear to have been temporary structures and none now survive. Most triumphal arches were built during the Roman Empire. By the 4th century AD, 36 triumphal arches were recorded as existing in Rome. Only five now survive (see list below).

Related Topics:
Roman Republic - Rome - Lucius Stertinius - 196 BC - Roman Empire - 4th century

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The arches of Rome became increasingly elaborate over the centuries. They were at first very simple symbolic temporary gateways to the city, being built of brick or stone with a semicircular arched heading and hung with trophies of captured arms. Later arches were built of high-quality marble with a large arch in the middle, and sometimes two smaller ones on each side, adorned with columns and bas-reliefs and crowned with statues, often a quadriga. The piers of the arch were often decorated with imitation pillars, usually of the Corinthian order.

Related Topics:
Bas-relief - Quadriga - Corinthian order

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