Arch of Septimius Severus - Roman Forum, Rome - Victories Carved in Stone

The Arch of Septimius Severus rises above the Roman Forum, its monumental arches and richly carved reliefs preserving the story of imperial victory and rivalry.

The Arch of Septimius Severus dominates the northwestern end of the Roman Forum, its three monumental passageways framed by columns, sculpted panels and an imposing inscription across the attic. This close view reveals the remarkably detailed reliefs commemorating the emperor's military campaigns against the Parthians at the end of the 2nd century AD. Dedicated in AD 203, the triumphal arch honoured Emperor Septimius Severus together with his sons Caracalla and Geta. The four large relief panels above the smaller arches depict episodes from the Parthian campaigns, while additional carvings include winged Victories, river gods, soldiers and scenes of triumph. The inscription originally named both imperial sons, but after Caracalla had Geta killed in AD 211, references to Geta were removed as part of his damnatio memoriae—the official condemnation of his memory. Standing near the foot of the Capitoline Hill and the ancient Via Sacra, the arch remains one of the Roman Forum's best-preserved monumental structures.