The Arch of Titus is a triumphal arch located on the Via Sacra near the Roman Forum in Rome1.
The arch was erected in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian to commemorate the victories of his brother, Emperor Titus, especially the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD1.
The arch is a classic example of Roman triumphal architecture, featuring a single arched passageway and detailed reliefs2.
The interior of the arch contains reliefs depicting Roman soldiers carrying spoils from the Temple of Jerusalem, including the Menorah. The inscription on the arch honors Titus and his deification2.
The Arch of Titus symbolizes Roman power and victory, and it has served as a model for many triumphal arches erected since the 16th century, including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris2.
The Via Sacra was the route taken by victorious generals during their triumphal processions, leading from the Colosseum through the Forum to the Capitoline Hill1.
It starts at the Arch of Titus and passes by many significant ancient Roman landmarks, including the Temple of Vesta, the House of the Vestal Virgins, and the Basilica of Maxentius1.
The Via Sacra was not only a ceremonial route but also a bustling thoroughfare, lined with shops, temples, and public buildings2.
Built by Emperor Hadrian between 121 and 141 AD, the Temple of Venus and Rome was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix (Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome).
The temple featured two main chambers (cellae) back-to-back, each housing a statue of the goddesses. The western chamber faced the Roman Forum, while the eastern chamber faced the Colosseum.
The temple was built on the site of Nero's Domus Transitoria and Domus Aurea. It was inaugurated in 135 AD and later restored by Emperor Maxentius after a fire in 307 AD.
Much of the temple's marble has been repurposed over the centuries, but the remains still offer a glimpse into its grandeur. The site is part of the Forum-Palatine archaeological park and is accessible to the public.
The Museo del Foro Romano, located within the Roman Forum, showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the history and archaeology of the Roman Forum and ancient Rome. It provides insights into the political, religious, and social life of the Roman Empire.
The Basilica of Maxentius, also known as the Basilica of Constantine, is an ancient Roman basilica located in the Roman Forum. It was the largest building in the Forum and the last monumental civil building erected in the city during the Roman Empire. Construction began under Emperor Maxentius in 308 AD and was completed by Constantine I in 312 AD.
