Built
to commemorate and celebrate the capture and sacking of
Jerusalem by Titus and his armies in 70 CE, the Arch of
Titus is located on the Summa Sacra Via to the west of
the Forum. The arch was constructed shortly after the
death of emperor Titus in 81 CE, and in many ways commemorates
his life. On the sides of the arch one can see the Romans
carrying away the treasures of Israel, as well as other
scenes typical of a triumphal arch. During the Middle
Ages the Arch of Titus was used in one of the fortifications
of the Frangipane family, which both preserved the monument,
yet at the same time changed it forever. When the fortifications
were demolished in 1821 the arch was restored as much
as possible. |
