Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus is a prominent triumphal arch located in Rome, built around 81 CE to honor the military achievements of Emperor Titus, particularly his victory over Jerusalem in 70 CE. Erected by his brother Domitian after Titus's death, the arch stands approximately 50 feet tall and features intricate reliefs that portray Titus's triumphant return to Rome, as well as scenes depicting Roman deities and soldiers. The carvings include significant representations of treasures taken from the Jewish temple, such as the menorah, a symbol of Jewish heritage and ritual practice. This arch is not only a testament to Roman military prowess but also serves as an important historical artifact that provides insight into the cultural and religious dynamics of the time. Notably, research has revealed that the arch was originally adorned with vivid colors, enhancing its visual impact. With its artistic significance and historical context, the Arch of Titus is considered a key monument in understanding the complexities of Roman-Jewish relations during the first century.
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Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus is a monument in Rome. Built around 81 CE, it commemorates the victory of Titus in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Known as the Arcus Titi in Latin, the arch is located at the highest point of the Sacra Via, or Sacred Street, the main road leading to most holy sites in ancient Rome. The arch features many deeply carved reliefs depicting Titus, his troops, and other figures representing Roman deities and the people of Rome. It also includes depictions of the treasures carried off from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. These treasures are considered important sources of information about the temple’s content.
Background
During the first century, Jerusalem was the center of Jews’ religious and cultural life. However, the city and the surrounding area of Judea were under Roman occupation from about 4 BCE. While the Jews were allowed some autonomy in matters of religion and religious practices, the Romans controlled most other aspects of their lives. In the year 66 CE, the Jewish resentment of this control erupted into open revolt. The Romans responded by sending in troops, and the new emperor, Vespasian (9– 9 CE), sent his son, Titus, to end the rebellion.
Titus led a siege army that badly outmatched the Jewish forces. The Jews fought hard but were weakened by starvation and illness along with the need to both fight and rebuild fortifications at the same time. In the end, the Jews were defeated in 70 CE. The conquering army destroyed the temple and carried off all the priceless religious objects and treasure it contained.
Overview
The Arch of Titus is a triumphal arch, or one meant to commemorate a victory in combat. It was built by Domitian (51–96 CE), Titus’s brother, sometime after Titus’s death in 81 CE. The monument stands about 50 feet (15.4 meters) tall and 44 feet (13.5 meters) wide. The archway is 27 feet (8.3 meters) high and 15.5 feet (4.75 meters) deep.
The outside of the arch features fluted columns and an inscription that reads “The Senate and people of Rome Dedicated this Arch to the deified Titus Vespasianus Augustus, son of the deified Vespasian.” The inside of the arch is carved with images of Titus being led triumphantly into Rome by the goddess of Rome while the goddess of victory places a crown on his head. The carvings also depict the Roman senate, soldiers, and citizens. The figures are carved in such a way that the ones closest to the viewer cast shadows on the figures in the background, creating a sense of realism and movement. It is considered the most important sculpture of the time.
Some of the soldiers are depicted carrying objects that were taken from the temple, indicating the Romans’ complete victory and the temple’s destruction. Of these objects, the menorah is the one with the most historical and religious significance. It is a ceremonial candelabra used in Jewish celebrations. In 2017, researchers using advanced technology discovered that the menorah in the arch was originally painted gold, which corresponds with first-century descriptions of the object. Additional study showed that the entire arch was once richly painted in bright colors.
Bibliography
“A.D. 70 Titus Destroys Rome.” Christianity Today, www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-28/ad-70-titus-destroys-jerusalem.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Ancient Jewish History: Roman Rule (63 BCE–313 CE).” Jewish Virtual Library, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/roman-rule-63bce-313ce. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Arch of Titus.” Columbia University, blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/cc3506/flavians/arch-of-titus/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Arch of Titus.” University of Chicago, penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia‗romana/romanurbs/archtitus.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Arch of Titus.” University of Virginia Institute of Advanced Technology in the Humanities, archive1.village.virginia.edu/spw4s/RomanForum/GoogleEarth/AK‗GE/AK‗HTML/MA-008.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Arch of Titus.” Visit Jewish Italy, www.visitjewishitaly.it/en/listing/arch-of-titus/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
Povoledo, Elisabetta. “Technology Identifies Lost Color at Roman Forum.” New York Times, 24 June 2012, www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/arts/design/menorah-on-arch-of-titus-in-roman-forum-was-rich-yellow.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
Schuster, Ruth. “Archaeologists Reconstruct How the Arch of Titus Looked—In Full Color.” Haaretz, 17 Sept. 2017, www.haaretz.com/archaeology/MAGAZINE-archaeologists-reconstruct-how-the-arch-of-titus-looked-in-full-color-1.5449144. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.
“Titus’ Siege of Jerusalem.” Livius.org, www.livius.org/articles/concept/roman-jewish-wars/roman-jewish-wars-4/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2020.