Arch of Titus, Rome 
The Arch of Titus at the entrance to the Forum. Photo
aewolf.
The Arch of Titus. Photo
Nick Leonard.
Relief of the sack of Jerusalem. Photo © Sacred Destinations.
Closer view of the sack of Jerusalem. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
Relief of the goddess Roma during a procession. Photo
Nick Leonard.
Location map and aerial view of Arch of Titus. For a larger interactive view, see our Rome Map.
The Arco di Tito (Arch of Titus) stands in a slightly elevated position on a spur of the Palatine Hill at the entrance to the Roman Forum in Rome. Its religious significance lies in its depiction of the sacking of Jerusalem and its sacred temple by the Romans in 70 AD.
History
The arch was erected in 81 AD, shortly after the emperor's death, to celebrate the 70 AD sack of Jerusalem after the great Jewish revolt. This event was highly significant, marking the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora throughout Europe. The Temple has never been rebuilt, and all the remains of the original is the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. The monument has been cleaned and restored.
What to See
The view of the Colosseum from the arch is superb, which is fitting since it was Emperor Titus (39-81 AD) who helped finish the vast amphitheater begun by his father Vespasian.
The Arch of Titus is articulated with a massive order of attached columns. The capitals are Corinthian, but with prominent volutes of the Ionic order scrolling out above the acanthus foliage, the earliest example of the Composite order. Above the main cornice rises a high weighty attic on which is a central tablet bearing the dedicatory inscription:
SENATVS
POPVLVSQVE·ROMANVS
DIVO·TITO·DIVI·VESPASIANI·F(ILIO)
VESPASIANO·AVGVSTOThe Senate and People of Rome to the divine Titus Vespasianus Augustus, son of the divine Vespasian.
Two panel reliefs line the passageway. Both commemorate the joint triumph celebrated by Titus and his father Vespasian in the summer of 70 AD. One of the panels depicts the spoils taken from the Temple, including a huge seven-branched menorah, being carried in triumph down Rome's Via Sacra. The other panel depicts the triumphant Titus attended by various genii and lictors.
The deeply-coffered soffit of the arch depicts the apotheosis (transformation into a god) of Titus in the center. The sculpture of the outer faces of the two great piers was lost when the Arch of Titus was incorporated in medieval defensive walling. The attic of the arch was originally crowned by more statuary, perhaps of a quadriga pulled by elephants.
The Arch of Titus has provided the general model for many of the triumphal arches erected since the 16th century.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Arch of Titus; Arco di Tito |
| Location: | Rome, Lazio, Italy |
| Faith: | Ancient Roman |
| Denomination: | Imperial cult |
| Dedication: | Emperor Titus |
| Category: | Monuments; World Heritage Sites |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 81 AD |
| Patron: | Titus |
| Architecture: | Roman |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 41.890697° N, 12.488569° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Address: | Foro Romano, Rome, Italy |
| Hours: | Same hours as Roman Forum: Apr-Sept daily 9am-7pm; Oct-Mar daily 9am-4:30pm. Last admission 1 hr. before closing. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Public transport: | Metro: Colosseo Bus: 3, 8, 75, 85, 87, 117 or 186 |
Travel Resources
- Rome Map - our detailed interactive map of Rome, plus hand-picked links to more
- Rome Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Rome Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Rome
- Rome Car Rentals - enjoy more travel freedom by picking up a car in Rome
- Rome Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Rome
- Rome Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (July 2006).
- Frommer's Rome.
More Information
- Hotels in Rome - hotel booking site for Rome
Last updated on December 7, 2009.
