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The Arch of Constantine |
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Located between the Forum and the Colosseum is the large triumphal Arch of Constantine. This impressive structure is religiously significant because it commemorates the battle that led the Emperor Constantine to convert to Christianity. This act actually changed the religious landscape of the western world. Erected to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, it is easy to understand why this is a highly important one for Christian history. According to many historians, Constantine had a vision on the night before the battle. In this vision, he saw the symbol of chi-rho (the first letters of "Christ" in Greek – or the cross by some accounts) in the sky with the words, "By this sign, conquer." Knowing that he was facing an army much larger than his, Constantine was willing to try anything and had his soldiers carry the Christian symbol into battle. He was victorious the battle – thus, the Arch of Constantine. |
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It was at this time that Constantine adopted Christianity and directed that the religion be officially tolerated throughout the Roman Empire. This was about the time that Christian persecution ended and the development of Christendom began. The event celebrated by the Arch of Constantine was a major turning point in the history of the western world, especially for Christianity.
Things to look for on the Arch of Constantine.
| Unfortunately, most visitors
do not take the time to really examine the arch to see all of the
history and detail of the structure. On the front of the arch, away from the Colosseum, the Battle of Milvian Bridge is represented. Looking closely, you can see this battle very coarsely sculptured band over the right-hand side arch, It is thought that the arch was probably copied from the Arch of Septimius Severus. The general design of the arch is exceedingly good, a fine example of the artistic designs of the day on buildings and other structures, and a testament to the engineering of the Romans. Both the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Arch of Constantine not only the fine sculptured panels with scenes in the life of Septimius Severus, in common; but also the main entablature, and the eight magnificent fluted columns of the Corinthian order that make up the two fronts of the arch. Each of these columns are large monoliths of Numidian giallo antico. One has been replaced by a white marble column as the original one was placed in the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno where it still is today. |
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Although seemingly rather clumsily sculptured, the victories in the spandrels of the central arch are fairly recognizable. As are the river-gods over the side arches and the medallions of the rising and setting sun at the ends. The victories on the pedestals of the giallo columns and the bands over the side arches are also pretty well preserved. All of them are of Constantine's time. However, they do show the degraded state into which Roman art had sunk by the beginning of the 4th century AD. It seems that, by this time, there just was not enough money, time or artisans to do the work properly. The second half of the side inscription indicates that the Arch of Constantine was erected after the tenth year of Constantine's reign (315), the meaning being "as he has reigned ten years, so may he reign twenty." This, along with "The title Maximus," which is used in the main inscription, occurs only on coins of Constantine which were struck after his tenth year and therefore pretty much places a date on the structure. |
At the time of its construction, and from thereon until today, the phrase "by divine inspiration" (instinctu divinitatis mentis) has been susceptible to wide interpretation. It may be best described as being consistent with Constantine's later religious policy of actively promoting Christianity, while being careful enough to keep official matters vague to satisfy pagans as well. The divinity on Constantine's coins before his conversion, and for some time after, is Sol Invictus, the "Invincible Sun." There is a staircase formed in the thickness of the arch (entered from a door at fairly high off of the ground) in the end towards the Palatine Hill.
Here is a nice view of the Arch of Constantine from the Colosseo (the
Colosseum). Photo by Jim Bruner**
**NOTE: All of the photos on this page were taken by Jim Bruner. Photos may be reproduced, however; if used for commercial purposes (including any print media or on the internet), please credit with the following: Photo by Jim Bruner and provided courtesy of www.gettingaway.com.
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
