Why Is The Arch Of Constantine Important For Your Plans?

In the shadow of the better known Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine is easy to ignore, but it shouldn’t be if you want to understand the Roman Empire.

When you are visiting Rome, the odds are that even if this is your third or fourth time in the city, you will probably be stopping by the Colosseum. Many times this also included a climb up Palatine Hill and a stop by the Roman Forum. However, the Arch of Constantine lives in the Shadow of the Colosseum and shouldn’t be missed.

What Is The Arch Of Constantine?

The Arch of Constantine is a celebratory arch in Rome next to the Colosseum that is dedicated to Emperor Constantine. Typically, the triumphal arches are used to celebrate victories of foreign invaders, however, this one is different. It celebrates Constatine’s victory over a Roman rival, Maxentius.

The Arch was built between 312 and 315 to commemorate 10 years of Constantine’s reign. It was used as part of the victory route that emperors would take that started near the Pantheon, continued to Circus Maximus, around Palatine Hill and through the Arch of Constantine. It would continue through the Roman Forum, which would send the procession under the nearby Arch of Titus and Arch of Septimus Severus.

What Is Unusual About The Arch Of Constantine?

Reuse of elements from earlier monuments. This arch uses sculptures from the monuments of Hadrian, Trajan and Marcus Aurelius. According to Khan Academy, Constantine seems to be associating himself with these three “Good Emperors” to raise his own profile.

Did Constantine Have An Inferiority Complex? 

As I learned about this Arch, and a bit of the history of Constantine, there is something that keeps sticking in my craw: “Did Constantine have an inferiority complex?”. Apart from the over the top moniker “Constantine The Great”, this arch provides some additional clues.

By trying to align himself with three of the “Five Good Emperors”, was he trying to rewrite history? The “Five Good Emperors” were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. The term was coined by Niccolò Machiavelli.

Although Constantine is credited with the arch, it is speculated that he co-opted it from Hadrian and others believe it was started by Maxentius. Many of the decorations are taken from other monuments dedicated to the Good Emperors, but the heads were replaced with Constantine’s.

While history is written by the victors, this seems like an obvious attempt to pump up Constantine’s reputation and erase others, like Maxentius, from history forever. 

Other Arches Near Constantine’s Arch

There are two nearby arches that are part of the victory processions that also include Constantine’s Arch. The first is the Arch of Titus. It is located on one end of the Via Sacra in the Roman Forum. When you visit the Roman Forum, it is the first arch you see when approaching the Entrance nearest the Colosseum.  

The second is the Arch of Septimus Severus. Yes, when I hear this name, I too think of Harry Potter. This arch is at the other end of the remains of the Via Sacra and an important element of your tour of the Roman Empire, so don’t miss it! 

Why Is Constantine The Great Important?

The importance of Emperor Constantine the Great based on his influence on the direction of the Roman Empire. Specifically, in addition to moving the capital of the empire from Rome to Istanbul, Turkey (known as Constantinople) he was the first emperor to convert to Christianity, elevating it’s importance in Rome and decriminalizing the religion.

In addition, Constantine’s mother, Helena, who made multiple tours of Syria, Palaestina and Jerusalem and is believed to have returned with relics that are still viewed as important, even today. These include:

• Remnants of the “True Cross”
• Two thorns from the Crown of Thorns
• The Titulus Crucis
• The Scala Sancta

Why Was The Arch Important In Rome?

There are two major uses for the Arch in ancient Rome. The Arch of Constantine is an example of using the arch to mark the celebration of an important military victory. The other, and more important use, were the aqueducts that used this architectural feature to carry water from the surrounding mountains to the people of Rome. This ensured clean drinking water that was structurally reliable and resistant to attack, although not invulnerable.

Why Should We Include Constantine’s Arch In Our Travel Plans?

For me, the biggest reason to include Constantine’s Arch in your travel plans is to expand your understanding of the Roman Empire and its leaders. After only a few minutes of reading, here and elsewhere, you can get a better sense of why the arch is important and what it represents.

In addition, you might not get a chance to see it on your next visit. Back in 2024, a lightning strike caused a chunk of the Arch to be knocked to the ground. While the destruction of such an important structure is certainly unpleasant, what followed was as well. 

Include The Arch Of Constantine When Planning Your Visit To Rome