The Arch of Titus is a 1st-century AD honorific Roman Architecture in Rome, located on the Via Sacra, the main street leading to the Roman Forum. It was constructed to celebrate the victories of Titus, who reigned from 79 to 81 AD, particularly his capture of Jerusalem during the First Jewish–Roman War in 70 AD.
The Arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate and dedicated after Titus's death in 81 AD by his brother and successor, Domitian. It commemorates the victories of Titus, including the siege of Jerusalem, where the Second Temple was destroyed, leading to the dispersal of the Jewish people, an event known as the Diaspora.
The arch stands at approximately 15.4 meters in height, 13.5 meters wide, and 4.75 meters deep. It is constructed of Pentelic marble and features a single arched passageway. Here are some notable features:
The Arch of Titus has been a symbol of Roman military might and the enduring impact of Roman rule. For Jews, the depiction of the Temple's spoils has been a poignant reminder of their loss. Over the centuries:
Over time, the Arch of Titus has undergone several restorations. The most recent comprehensive restoration was completed in 2017, focusing on cleaning and preserving the marble, repairing the structure, and removing pollution damage. The project was a collaboration between Italian and Israeli conservationists.