The ancient city of Rome is full of historical and cultural attractions. Each architectural masterpiece tells about important events of the centuries-old history of the capital of Italy. One of the unique creations of the heyday of the Roman Empire is located near the majestic Coliseum.
Winners arches
The valiant commanders who returned with victory after a long war were always greeted in the most solemn manner. Ancient Rome was no exception. Since ancient times, in honor of the triumphs, special stone structures were erected in which their feat was perpetuated. Courageous warriors proudly drove into the city through the built arches, where they were solemnly greeted with honors by local residents.
However, the Arc de Triomphe of Constantine, which will be discussed in the article, was not completed at the time of the victorious return of the emperor. This is the only building in Rome built after the victory in the Civil War, because most often such structures were created in honor of the triumph over the external enemy.
Emperor Constantine and his merits
The impudent and ambitious Constantine from childhood wanted to become emperor, and for this purpose he went to great lengths, removing unwanted and disturbing him from his path. The father of the young man, a well-known commander, transfers his powers to his son before his death, and the Roman soldiers proclaim Constantine in advance as their emperor.
At that time in Rome ruled the cruel despot Maxentius, whom the city dwellers hated. The valiant warrior who dreamed of the throne, who chose Christianity as his religion, sends his army to the enemy through the Alps. Knowing that the powers of Maxentius far exceed his army, Constantine prays for a long time, expecting some kind of heavenly sign.
Sign from above
In the annals there is mention of a miracle that struck the enemy’s army and surprised Constantine himself. After his requests for help in the upcoming battle, a cross from the sun appears in the sky, and supposedly in the clouds the inscription “Sim conquer” becomes visible. The future emperor was at a loss, not knowing what to do, and at night Christ comes to him in a dream, urging him to go to war against the Gentiles and restore Christianity throughout the vast empire.
30-year-old Konstantin, inspired by signs, goes into battle and defeats the numerous army of a tyrant. In 312, the head of Maxentius was brought to Rome so that all the inhabitants looked at the defeated despot, and Constantine himself sits on the long-awaited imperial throne.
Capital transfer
Only 2 years later, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine dedicated to victory appears. Rome paid for such a long wait for the emperor by the fact that the capital was moved to the city of Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul), which became a Christian religious center, and the ruler himself was canonized. Even the mention of all feats of arms on a huge arch did not stop the young emperor, who did not appreciate such belated attention.
The largest arch
The triumphal arch of Constantine, erected with the money raised by the Senate and the people, is the “youngest” building of this kind. The monumental structure consists of 3 spans, the largest - the central one - and the winner was to solemnly enter the decorated chariot. The gigantic dimensions and thickness of the marble arch make it one of the largest in the world. Pillars surround the powerful structure on both sides, the walls are decorated with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes of victories of the valiant emperor.
Borrowing from other monuments
It is known that decorative statues and medallions transferred from other buildings were used to decorate the arch. The bas-reliefs dedicated to the victory of Constantine, in fact, were removed from the historical monument, erected in honor of the victory of another glorious commander - Marcus Aurelius. Two-meter medallions located between the columns described events related to another emperor, only the head of the ancient Roman ruler Hadrian was replaced by an image of an undaunted winner.
Such a borrowing of elements from other historical monuments is explained by the fact that the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Constantine in Rome was erected in a very short time. Although many do not agree with this version, considering the unusual "eclecticism" a simple lack of money. Researchers who carefully studied the documents of those eras agree that the huge building needed elements that would give it a special status, and therefore the design of the arch was carried out in such an unusual way. Be that as it may, the monument of amazing beauty amazes with the power and magnificence of all living.
Generously decorated masterpiece
The triumphal arch of Constantine in Rome, whose architecture was copied from a similar structure dedicated to Septimius Severus, was erected in such a way that it seems to everyone that it relies solely on powerful columns. Their generously decorated reliefs depict scenes of captivity of wild barbarians by Roman soldiers. Above the central span of the arch stands a sculptural image of the goddess of victory - Victoria. These decorative ornaments belong to the era of the reign of the winner of the Gentiles.
On the sides, the Arc de Triomphe of Emperor Constantine is decorated with medallions on which the deities of the Moon and the Sun race on chariots. The internal and external surfaces of the monument dedicated to the emperor’s main triumph are filled with sculptural works.
Immersion in ancient history
The triumphal arch of Constantine is surrounded by a high fence so that tourists from all over the globe do not drag away an ancient masterpiece of world culture for souvenirs. I must say that yellow marble is severely affected by weather conditions and exhaust fumes.
Thousands of visitors daily examine amazing paintings, plunging into ancient history with long wars and bright, significant victories. The impressive construction allows everyone to touch eternity, forget about the vanity of the mortal world.