Arch of Constantine - Rome, Italy - Ancient Triumph under Conservation

The Arch of Constantine stands beside the Colosseum during conservation work, its three monumental passageways and richly decorated marble facade still dominating the landscape.

The Arch of Constantine rises beside the Colosseum in Rome, photographed here while conservation scaffolding surrounds portions of the ancient monument. Its three arched passageways, marble reliefs and imposing attic commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. The Roman Senate dedicated the triumphal arch to Constantine on 25 July AD 315, and at approximately 25 metres high it is the largest surviving Roman honorary arch. Much of its remarkable sculptural decoration was reused from earlier imperial monuments dating to the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. These older reliefs were incorporated alongside Constantinian works to create a carefully arranged celebration of the emperor and his victory. Positioned on the ancient triumphal route between the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Titus, the monument remains one of the most impressive surviving examples of Roman commemorative architecture.