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Arch of Constantine

Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Constantino) in Rome is stands next to the Colosseum in the Piazza del Colosseo, near the bottom of the Sacra Via which leads to the Arch of Titus and the Roman Forum.

It was erected in AD 315 by the Senate to commemorate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Very little about the Arch of Constantine reflects the claim by Constantine that his victory was due to the aid of the God of the Christians The only sculptural decorations on the Arch that come from the time of Constantine are the small bas-reliefs of the frieze and images of the victories and captives found at the bases of the columns.

All the other statues, medallions and reliefs featured on the Arch of Constantine were taken from older pagan monuments. The reliefs inside of the central archway and those above on the sides of the Arch come from a monument to the victory of Trajan over the Dacians. Some of the statues of Dacian prisoners were taken from Trajan's Forum.

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

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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