Constructed to remember the capture of Jerusalem over the Jewish Zealots, The Arch of Titus is 1 of 2 enduring arches and one of the greatest famous monuments in the Forum Romanum. It holds immense implication in Rome’s history and simply cannot be viewed from your Rome apartments, but rather needs to be visited.
The origins of Titus begins with his father, Vespasian who was sent to extinguish the rebellion against the Roman occupation of Judea by the Jewish Zealots. Consequently, he was made the emperor where like father, like son, Titus became emperor of the Roman empire soon following in AD 79.
However, he died just two years later in September AD 81 but the Roman Senate soon consecrated the famous emperor soon following.
Subsequently his brother, Emperor Domitian who was considered younger and not so accepted brother of Titus constructed the Arch of Titus that same year in turn to memorialize the esteem of his brother and the success in the Jewish Conflict which was dedicated in AD 85. Some also believe that Domitian built the arch to also take advantage of it himself.
The arc also contains numerous interesting relief sculptures, including the spoils of the Jersulam temple carried in triumphal procession and various depictions of the apotheosis of Titus (hence why Divus Titus refers to the arch inscription).
Built by the Frangipani family, the arc was integrated into their family’s fortress in the 11th century. Giuseppe Valadier later restored the arc in 1821, where the outer sides were rebuilt in travertine as an alternative of marble between 1822 and 1823 to make them discernible from the first Arch of Titus.
The 15 metre high arch now remains at the highest point of Via Sacra situated at the Forum Romanum. These days it now stands as the oldest surviving case of the roman arch, although that many Jews till this day still refuse to walk under it.
Nevertheless, this renowned piece of history cannot be viewed of your apartment windows, but actually requires you to leave your accommodation and experience this remarkable attraction for yourself.
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