Arches and Columns: The Triumphs of the Emperors
The conquests and deeds that the Roman emperors wished to advertise are etched in the marble of the arches and the honorary columns still present in the city of Rome. Their decorations they often tell of wars, looting and victories, but also of the construction of bridges and city foundations.
The most famous of these monuments are to be found in the Imperial Fora, where they are almost entirely preserved; others are scattered throughout the city, sometimes half-hidden by new buildings or in a state of ruin.
We will take you on a journey that winds through centuries, rich in history and curiosities. We will reveal the stories hidden behind the construction of each monument and explain how scholars figured out who built what. Finally, we will examine how and why these structures were often stripped of their most valuable marbles in the Middle Ages. You can learn about the history of the Roman Empire from an alternative point of view, through the images carved in marble.
Curiosità
- Some arches are not entirely preserved today, and their appearance is known to us through their depictions on ancient coins.
- The Arch of Constantine was made using decorations taken from monuments of earlier eras.
- There are actually two arches “of Titus”!
Domande frequenti
- What is hidden in the church of San Giorgio in Velabro?
- Why are the arches of Titus and Constantine in the center of Rome so close, and yet not aligned with each other?
- Why do the arches often take such different forms?
Info pratiche
Duration: 3 hours
Pick up: Your preference
Departure time: Flexible
When: Daily (Monday to Sunday); Year round
Means of transport: Car with private driver
Languages: English, French, Italian
Suitable for children? Yes
Suitable for people with mobility issues? Yes
Walking distance: 500 meters