The Arch of Constantine in Rome is one of the most famous monuments in the world, standing as a testament to the power and glory of the Roman Empire. This triumphal arch, located near the Colosseum, is unique in that it commemorates the Emperor Constantine‘s victory over his rival Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. The arch not only marks a pivotal moment in Constantine’s rise to power but also represents a broader cultural and religious shift within the empire, as Constantine’s reign eventually led to the spread of Christianity.

Constructed between AD 312 and 315, the Arch of Constantine is the largest surviving triumphal arch in Rome, standing 21 meters high, 25.9 meters wide, and 7.4 meters deep. It is made of white and yellow marble and consists of three archways: a large central arch and two smaller side arches.

The arch’s three-bay structure is richly adorned with reliefs, statues, and inscriptions that celebrate Constantine’s victory and legacy. However, one of the most interesting aspects of the arch is its eclectic mixture of artistic styles and elements, which were sourced from other monuments and emperors’ works, including those of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius.

Roman Emperors Who Changed the Course of History

Historical Background and Purpose

The construction of the Arch of Constantine marked a critical moment in Roman history.

In AD 312, Constantine faced Maxentius in a civil war for control of the Western Roman Empire. According to Christian tradition, on the eve of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky, accompanied by the words “In hoc signo vinces” (“In this sign, you shall conquer”). Inspired by this vision, he adopted the Christian symbol and emerged victorious in battle. Although the historical accuracy of this vision remains debated, the battle itself was pivotal: Constantine’s victory consolidated his power and ultimately led to the end of the Tetrarchy, a system where four emperors shared rule.

Constantine’s victory also symbolized a transition in Roman religious and cultural life. After his rise to power, Constantine became the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, a shift that greatly influenced the empire’s future. He enacted policies that favored Christians and, over time, led to the decline of traditional Roman pagan practices. The arch serves as a reminder of this transformative period, celebrating both Constantine’s military prowess and his contributions to the reshaping of Roman society.

Architectural Features and Design

The Arch of Constantine’s design follows the typical structure of a Roman triumphal arch, with a large central arch flanked by two smaller ones. The structure is divided into different levels: the main archway, an attic level, and a series of decorative panels. The arch’s design is symmetrical, emphasizing balance and grandeur.

The Central and Side Archways

The central arch, larger than the side arches, symbolizes Constantine’s supreme status as emperor. The passage through the arches would have allowed for ceremonial processions, emphasizing the monument’s role as a triumphal structure.

Attic and Inscriptions

The attic section of the arch features a prominent Latin inscription dedicated to Constantine by the Roman Senate and People. The inscription honors Constantine as the liberator of the city and bringer of peace, crediting his victory to “inspiration of the Divinity.” This phrase is open to interpretation, potentially referring to Constantine’s Christian faith without explicitly naming it. The ambiguous wording allowed the monument to appeal to both Christian and pagan audiences, reflecting the complex religious landscape of the time.

Spolia and Recycled Art

A distinguishing characteristic of the Arch of Constantine is its extensive use of spolia, or repurposed art from earlier monuments. Reliefs and sculptures from monuments dedicated to emperors such as Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius were incorporated into the arch, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Reusing older artworks was a way to save time and resources, but it also linked Constantine with the revered emperors of the past. The stylistic differences between the older reliefs and the newer ones added during Constantine’s reign highlight the evolving artistic tastes in the late Roman Empire. For instance, the earlier reliefs are more classical and idealized, whereas the newer ones are more abstract and stylized, reflecting a shift in Roman art.

Decorative Elements and Symbolism

The Arch of Constantine is adorned with a variety of decorative elements, including statues, reliefs, and medallions. Each of these elements serves to glorify Constantine and align him with the revered emperors of the past, while also illustrating his unique achievements.

Reliefs of Previous Emperors

The arch features reliefs originally created for monuments dedicated to emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. These reliefs depict scenes of hunting, sacrifice, and military victories. By including them, Constantine linked himself to these esteemed figures, suggesting continuity with their achievements. Additionally, many of these reliefs depict themes of justice, strength, and divine favor, qualities Constantine wanted to be associated with.

Medallions and Friezes

Eight round medallions, or tondi, are positioned on the north and south sides of the arch. These medallions were taken from a monument dedicated to Emperor Hadrian and depict scenes of hunting and religious rituals. On the arch, they are arranged in a way that suggests divine sanction for Constantine’s rule. The presence of such scenes evokes the virtues of a just and pious ruler, aligning Constantine with these ideals.

New Reliefs of Constantine

In addition to the older reliefs, several new panels were carved specifically for the Arch of Constantine, illustrating scenes from his life and his victory over Maxentius. These reliefs, placed on the arch’s north and south faces, portray key moments from Constantine’s campaign, including his entry into Rome and his address to the people. The style of these newer reliefs is more abstract and simplified compared to the classical style of the earlier panels, marking a shift in Roman artistic preferences. This change reflects not only aesthetic trends but also the practicalities of producing art quickly during Constantine’s reign.

Symbolism of the Arch and Religious Significance

The Arch of Constantine is rich in symbolism, blending themes of victory, piety, and divine favor. Although the arch does not overtly depict Christian symbols, its dedication to Constantine and the use of the phrase “inspiration of the Divinity” can be seen as a subtle nod to his Christian faith. The absence of explicit Christian imagery likely reflects the delicate balance Constantine had to maintain, as he was ruling over an empire that was still predominantly pagan.

By integrating elements from earlier Roman monuments and adapting them to his own purposes, Constantine’s arch embodies a form of syncretism—a blending of old and new, pagan and Christian. The arch’s mixture of styles and iconography symbolizes the transitional period in which it was built, as Constantine worked to unify a divided empire under his rule.

The arch’s inscription, which attributes Constantine’s victory to divine inspiration, suggests that Constantine was chosen by a higher power to rule. This concept of divine favor was important in Roman political ideology, as emperors were often seen as favored by the gods. For Constantine, this divine favor became associated with the Christian God, aligning him with a new source of legitimacy.

Although the arch does not feature overt Christian symbols, it became associated with Constantine’s Christian legacy over time. His reign marked the beginning of a significant transformation in the Roman Empire, as Christianity gradually became the dominant religion. In this sense, the Arch of Constantine can be seen as a milestone in the history of Christianity, marking the beginning of its ascendancy within the Roman state.

Influence and Legacy of the Arch

The Arch of Constantine had a lasting impact on both Roman and Christian art and architecture. As one of the few triumphal arches to survive the fall of the Roman Empire, it has served as an important model for later triumphal monuments, both in Rome and beyond. The arch’s use of spolia also influenced medieval and Renaissance artists, who often incorporated elements from earlier periods into their works.

The Arch of Constantine has also become a symbol of Constantine’s role in shaping the Christian world. His endorsement of Christianity changed the course of history, leading to the establishment of a Christian Roman Empire and influencing European civilization for centuries.

Questions and Answers

When was the Arch of Constantine I erected, and what event does it commemorate?

The Arch of Constantine I was erected around 315 CE to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312 CE.

Where is the Arch of Constantine located, and why is it significant?

The arch is located near the Colosseum in Rome. It is significant as the largest remaining Roman triumphal arch and the last major monument of Imperial Rome. It also served as a piece of political propaganda, aligning Constantine with Rome’s successful emperors.

How does the design of the arch highlight its importance?

The arch is 21 meters high and 25.6 meters wide, made from grey and white Proconnesian marble. It includes a large central arch flanked by two smaller arches, separated by Corinthian columns of yellow marble with statues of Dacian prisoners atop. The colorful details and massive scale emphasize its grandeur and Constantine’s triumph.

What is the purpose of the inscription on the arch?

The inscription honors Constantine, attributing his victory to “divine inspiration” and his own “greatness of spirit.” It frames his victory as a justified defense of the Roman state and portrays him as divinely sanctioned.

How was the arch constructed using existing Roman art?

The arch incorporates art from earlier 1st and 2nd-century monuments, such as panels from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and medallions from a monument honoring Hadrian. This reuse of artwork ties Constantine to past emperors known for their military and civic virtues.

What are some themes depicted in the reused sculptural elements?

The reused elements depict scenes of war, civic duties, hunting, and sacrificial ceremonies, symbolizing virtues like bravery, piety, and justice. Figures from these elements were modified to resemble Constantine, aligning him with revered Roman values.

Which parts of the Great Trajanic Frieze are incorporated into the Arch of Constantine?

Two panels from the Great Trajanic Frieze are repurposed on the arch. One shows an emperor on campaign (altered to resemble Constantine), and another depicts Constantine being crowned by Victory, symbolizing his success and virtues.

What original artwork was created specifically for the Arch of Constantine?

Original reliefs were created to illustrate Constantine’s military and civic achievements, including scenes of the siege of Verona and public address in Rome. Sculptures of river gods, figures of Victory, and cosmic symbols like the Sun and Moon were also added to emphasize his imperial power.

What changes did the arch undergo in later history?

In the Middle Ages, the arch became part of a fortress. In 1597, Pope Clement VIII removed one of its yellow columns for use in a church. Later, extensive cleaning in the early 21st century restored much of its original appearance.