Arco di Settimio Severo (Arch of Septimius Severus), Rome

The Arch of Septimius Severus is one of Rome鈥檚 most impressive triumphal arches. Built in 203 AD, it was dedicated to commemorate Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, for their victories against the Parthians (which is modern-day Iran) in campaigns during the 190s AD.

This grand white marble structure was erected during the twilight of the Roman Empire鈥檚 golden age, when its eventual decline had begun. Yet the Romans of the era still believed in the eternity of their city.

Severus's victory over the Parthians was particularly significant, as it avenged Rome鈥檚 humiliating defeat some 300 years earlier. Captured and executed in a gruesome display of his greed, leader of that campaign, general Marcus Crassus, reportedly had molten gold poured down his throat鈥攁n infamous moment in Roman history.

The arch itself is a masterpiece of Roman engineering and artistry. It is elevated on a travertine base and originally had steps leading up from the Forum鈥檚 ground level. Its central archway features a stunning coffered semicircular vault, while lateral openings provide additional passageways. The structure is adorned with composite columns on pedestals, and its spandrels bear relief carvings of Winged Victories. Inside the south pier, a staircase allows access to the top, where a once-magnificent statue of Severus and his sons in a four-horse chariot (quadriga) stood, accompanied by soldiers.

Despite the arch鈥檚 dedication to both Caracalla and Geta, political turmoil soon altered its legacy. Following Severus's death, the two brothers ruled jointly, but their relationship was tense. In 212 AD, Caracalla assassinated Geta and enacted the so-called 鈥渄amnation of memory鈥�, a Roman practice of erasing a person's existence from history. All inscriptions and images of Geta were subsequently removed from monuments, including the Arch of Septimius Severus, leaving visible gaps where his name was once carved.

The architect of the arch remains unknown, but the structure鈥檚 refined craftsmanship speaks for itself.

Interestingly, the arch also made an appearance in cinema history. In the 鈥淩oman Holiday鈥� movie, the memorable first meeting between Princess Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn) and Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck) takes place near the Arch of Septimius Severus. Ann, escaping the palace and under the influence of a sleeping pill, rests by the arch and the Temple of Saturn. Joe, leaving a poker game, finds her there and, unable to learn her address, takes her to his apartment by taxi.

Today, car traffic is prohibited in this area. And while you may well fall asleep there on the parapet and hope that Gregory Peck will pick you up, dreaming that he will catch a taxi and take you to his place on Via Margutta is a complete utopia.

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Sight Name: Arco di Settimio Severo (Arch of Septimius Severus)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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