Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Honor of Victory

Triumphal Arch of Constantine, located next to the Colosseum, is one of the most important buildings in Rome. It was erected in the 4th century to celebrate the victory of Constantine, the first Christian emperor.

The structure, which has survived intact until today, was built in 315, the 10th year of Constantine’s reign, in honor of the Battle of Milvian Bridge, which he won in 312.

They were erected in strategic areas of the city to celebrate their victories and honor, to remind them and to show them to other countries, because the other purpose of victory monuments is to send a message.

Triumphal Arch of Constantine is a rectangular block 21 meters high, 25.6 meters wide and 7.4 meters deep. There is an inscription in Latin on the arch. It is the longest inscription on the arch and is repeated on both sides. It is addressed to Emperor Flavius Constantine, the senate and the Roman people, and mentions that the state was avenged by the Roman army and a triumphal arch was erected here.

IMP CAES FL CONSTANTINO MAXIMO
P F AUGUSTO SPQR
QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO
TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS
FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS
REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS
ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT

Some of the reliefs and inscriptions on the triumphal arch were brought here from other monuments and reused. A total of eight rectangular reliefs on both sides depict Constantine’s wars and civilian life.

The reliefs in the round, 4 on each side, refer to various hunts and sacrifices to Hercules, Apollo, Diana and Silvanus. These round reliefs come from Hadrian’s monument, thus paying homage to Hadrian.