The triumphal Arch of Constantine is located in between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was built in 315 A.D., to commemorate Constantine’s victory in 312 A.D. when he defeated Mexentius at the battle of Ponte Milvio. Constantine used this arch, along with Thermae Constantiniae (baths of Constantine) to solidify his claim to power. The arch is 21 meters high, 26 meters wide and 7.5 meters deep. The arch has three archways, and the top of the brickwork is riveted by marble. The design of the structure was inspired by the arch of Septimus Severus (seven slaves). On both faces is inscribed the following expression:
IMP · CAES · FL · CONSTANTINO · MAXIMO · P · F · AVGUSTO · S · P · Q · R · QVOD · INSTINCTV · DIVINATATIS · MENTIS · MAGNITVDINE · CVM · EXERCITV · SVO · TAM · DE · TYRANNO · QVAM · DE · OMNI · EIVS · FACTIONE · VNO · TEMPORE · IVSTIS · REM-PUBLICAM · VLTVS · EST · ARMIS · ARCVM · TRIVMPHIS · INSIGNEM · DICAVIT · LIBERATORI · VRBIS — FVNDATORI · QVIETIS
Translated, it says, “To the emperor Flavius Constantine, The Great, the pious and fortunate, the senate and people of Rome, because by divine inspiration his own spirit with his army on both the tyrant and all his faction at once and rightful battle he avenged the State, dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph. Along with the inscription, there are several designs, many of which were made with the intent of praising Constantine. Most notable of the designs are the eight cir
cular relifes, known as “Hadrianic Roundels”. The designs on the relief range from scenes of hunting to scenes of war. Much of the imagery contains symbolism; for instance, the chariots represent eternity of the Roman Empire. As a result of high level preservation, including a fence that prevents visitors from contacting the structure, the arch still stands today and has sustained very minimal damage. The arch was used as the setting for finish line in 1960 Summer Olympic Marathon.
IMP · CAES · FL · CONSTANTINO · MAXIMO · P · F · AVGUSTO · S · P · Q · R · QVOD · INSTINCTV · DIVINATATIS · MENTIS · MAGNITVDINE · CVM · EXERCITV · SVO · TAM · DE · TYRANNO · QVAM · DE · OMNI · EIVS · FACTIONE · VNO · TEMPORE · IVSTIS · REM-PUBLICAM · VLTVS · EST · ARMIS · ARCVM · TRIVMPHIS · INSIGNEM · DICAVIT · LIBERATORI · VRBIS — FVNDATORI · QVIETIS
Translated, it says, “To the emperor Flavius Constantine, The Great, the pious and fortunate, the senate and people of Rome, because by divine inspiration his own spirit with his army on both the tyrant and all his faction at once and rightful battle he avenged the State, dedicated this arch as a mark of triumph. Along with the inscription, there are several designs, many of which were made with the intent of praising Constantine. Most notable of the designs are the eight cir
cular relifes, known as “Hadrianic Roundels”. The designs on the relief range from scenes of hunting to scenes of war. Much of the imagery contains symbolism; for instance, the chariots represent eternity of the Roman Empire. As a result of high level preservation, including a fence that prevents visitors from contacting the structure, the arch still stands today and has sustained very minimal damage. The arch was used as the setting for finish line in 1960 Summer Olympic Marathon.
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