ARCO DI COSTANTINO
One of the best preserved ancient monuments in Rome, located next to the entrance of the Colosseum.
Next to the entrance to the Colosseum is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in Rome. 21 m high and 26 m wide, it has both an artistic and historical interest. The arco di Costantino is the largest of the city's three triumphal arches still standing. The other two are a few steps away, namely the arco di Tito and the arco di Settimio Severo, in the forum. Inaugurated in 315 for the 10th anniversary of Constantine's reign, it owes its name to the Emperor and commemorates the victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvius Bridge in 312. The different stages of this battle can be seen in the main frieze that stretches all around the monument. The main inscription pays tribute to Constantine's bravery. The statues on the north face represent Dacian prisoners and come from a monument to Trajan's glory. Indeed, at the time the Empire was impoverished and it was customary to recover materials from old monuments to make new ones. The bas-reliefs surrounding the statues come from a monument to Marcus Aurelius. As for the round medallions you see, they illustrate Hadrian's passion for hunting. The same concept can be found on the south face, where hunting scenes and bas-reliefs depicting Marcus Aurelius' campaigns can be found. This means that this 4th century monument offers, in fact, a very beautiful sample of 2nd century art! Its influence on Renaissance art was as great as that of the Colosseum.
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