Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome: description, history and interesting facts

The ancient city of Rome is full of historical and cultural attractions. Each architectural masterpiece tells about important events of the centuries-old history of the capital of Italy. One of the unique creations of the architecture of the heyday of the Roman Empire is located not far from the majestic Colosseum.

Arches in honor of the winners

Valiant generals, who returned with a victory after a long war, were always greeted in the most solemn manner. Ancient Rome was no exception. Since ancient times special stone structures have been erected in honor of the triumphors, in which their feat was perpetuated. Courageous warriors proudly drove into the city through the built arches, where they were solemnly greeted with honors by local residents.

However, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine, which will be discussed in the article, was not completed at the time of the victorious return of the emperor. This is the only building in Rome, erected after the victory in the civil war, because most often such buildings were created in honor of the triumph over the external enemy.

Emperor Constantine and his services

The impudent and ambitious Constantine wanted to become an emperor from his childhood, and for this purpose he went for everything, removing the disagreeable and hindering him from his path. The father of a young man - a well-known commander - before his death passes his authority to his son, and Roman soldiers in advance proclaimed Constantine their emperor.

At that time, Rome was ruled by the cruel despot Maxentius, whom city dwellers hated. Dreaming of the throne valiant warrior, who chose Christianity as his religion, sends his army to the enemy through the Alps. Knowing that the forces of Maxentius far exceed his army, Constantine prayed for a long time, waiting for some heavenly sign.

Sign from above

In the annals there is a mention of a miracle that struck the enemy's army and surprised Konstantin himself. After his requests for help in the upcoming battle in heaven appears a cross of sunlight, and supposedly in the clouds the inscription "Sim conquer" becomes visible. The future emperor was confused, not knowing what to do, but at night Christ comes to him in a dream, calling for a war against the Gentiles and restoring Christianity in the whole vast empire.

The 30-year-old Constantine, inspired by signs, stands in battle and defeats the numerous army of the tyrant. In 312, the head of Maxentius was brought to Rome, so that all residents looked at the desecrated despot, and Constantine himself sits down on the long-awaited imperial throne.

Transfer of the capital

Only 2 years later, the triumphal arch of Constantine, dedicated to victory, appears. Rome paid for such a long waiting for the emperor that the capital was moved to the city of Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul), which became a Christian religious center, and the ruler himself was ranked as a saint. Even the mention of all military feats on a huge arch did not stop the young emperor, who did not appreciate such belated attention.

The largest arch

The triumphal arch of Constantine, erected on the money collected by the Senate and the people, is the most "young" structure of this kind. The monumental structure consists of 3 spans, the largest - the central one - and the winner was to enter the decorated chariot solemnly. The gigantic size and thickness of the marble arch make it one of the largest in the world. On both sides a powerful structure is surrounded by columns, the walls are decorated with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes of victories of the valiant emperor.

Borrowing from Other Monuments

It is known that for the design of the arch, used were transferred from other buildings decorative statues and medallions. The bas-reliefs dedicated to the victory of Constantine, in fact, were removed from the historical monument erected in honor of the victory of another glorious commander, Marcus Aurelius. Two-meter medallions, located between the columns, described the events associated with another emperor, only the head of the ancient Roman ruler Adrian was replaced with the image of an intrepid winner.

Such a borrowing of elements from other historical monuments is due to the fact that the Arch of Constantine's Triumphal Arch in Rome was erected in a very short time. Although many do not agree with this version, considering the unusual "eclecticism" as a mere lack of money. Researchers who carefully studied the documents of those eras agree that a huge structure needed elements that would give it a special status, and therefore the arch design was performed in such an unusual way. Be that as it may, the monument of amazing beauty amazes with the power and splendor of all those who live now.

A lavishly decorated masterpiece

The triumphal arch of Constantine in Rome, whose architecture was copied from a similar construction dedicated to Septimius Severus, was built in such a way that it seems to everyone that it rests solely on mighty columns. On their generously decorated reliefs, scenes depicting the capture of savage barbarians by Roman soldiers are depicted. Above the central span of the arch rises a sculptural image of the goddess of victory - Victoria. These decorative ornaments belong to the era of the reign of the conqueror of the Gentiles.

From the sides The triumphal arch of Emperor Constantine is decorated with medallions, on which the deities of the Moon and the Sun are ridden in chariots. The interior and exterior surfaces of the monument dedicated to the Emperor's main triumph are filled with sculptural works.

Immersion in ancient history

The triumphal arch of Constantine is surrounded by a high fence, so that tourists from all over the globe have not stolen an ancient masterpiece of world culture for souvenirs. I must say that yellow marble is severely affected by weather conditions and exhaust fumes.

Thousands of visitors daily view amazing pictures, plunging into ancient history with long wars and bright, significant victories. An impressive structure allows you to touch everyone to eternity, forget about the vanity of the mortal world.