he Arch of Titus is situated at the highest point of the Via Sacra and is the monumental entry to the Roman Forum. The arch was built by the Senate to celebrate the victory of Titus and Vespasian against the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Titus was appointed emperor in 79 AD. The arch was built in 81 AD. Titus, already dead in 81, was given the title of 'divus'. By her simplicity, her refined proportions and sculptured decorations, the arch is a perfect example of austerity and balance.

The reliefs inside the arch represent the two greatest moments of the triumphal processions. At one side, soldiers carry the treasures out of the temple of Jerusalem. You can see the silver trumpets, the table for the bread and the two tables, on which the names of the conquered cities of Judea had to be engraved. Here you can also see the first picture of the seven-branched candelabrum, the menorah. Because of this relief, orthodox Jews nowadays still refuse to walk through the Arch. Originally the relief was multicoloured.

Soldiers carrying the menorah

The relief on the other side of the arch shows the 'quadriga', a two-wheeler chariot, harnessed with four horses. This chariot transported the emperor in festive processions, surrounded by the collected army legions. The Goddess Victoria crowns the emperor and the Goddess Roma, in the garment of an Amazon.

Although the reliefs of the arch of Titus are in a regrettable state, they can still be considered as the highest expression of the illusionist style. The artists try to arouse the impression that the universe is a continuation of real space. After his death, Titus was deified. This is called an 'apotheosis'. The title of Divus - the deified one - is a title that the Senate gave to emperors who had deserved that title. The apotheosis is also depicted on the arch. Inside, there is a picture of the emperor who is flown to heaven by an eagle.

In the eleventh century, the noble Frangipani family, who had a castle built at the Palatine, integrated the arch of Titus in their fortress. In 1821 Valadier restored the arch.