Arch of Septimius Severus

arch, Rome, Italy

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July 13, 2026

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The Arch of Septimius Severus is a triumphal arch located in the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. It is one of three surviving ancient Roman triumphal arches in the city. This arch was erected to commemorate the victories of Emperor Septimius Severus. It is decorated with relief sculptures depicting scenes from his military campaigns, including his victories in the East. The arch stands as a significant monument from ancient Rome, showcasing Roman architectural and artistic achievements.123

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Western architecture
Stylistic development
In the arches of Septimius Severus (c. 200 ce), for instance, light and shadow—not the masses of the forms of the motifs—formed the design. Especially in Africa, illogical composition of the elements of entablatures robbed them of structural significance. In the Palace of Diocletian (c. 300 ce), extensive use…
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In the arches of Septimius Severus (c. 200 ce), for instance, light and shadow—not the masses of the forms of the motifs—formed the design. Especially in Africa, illogical composition of the elements of entablatures robbed them of structural significance. In the Palace of Diocletian (c. 300 ce), extensive use…
Read More

triumphal arch
…his triumph over Jerusalem; the Arch of Septimius Severus (203–205), commemorating his victory over the Parthians; and the Arch of Constantine (312), a composite product, decorated with reused material from the times of Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. Outside Rome, notable ancient examples include the arches of Augustus in Susa, Aosta,…
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…his triumph over Jerusalem; the Arch of Septimius Severus (203–205), commemorating his victory over the Parthians; and the Arch of Constantine (312), a composite product, decorated with reused material from the times of Domitian, Trajan, and Hadrian. Outside Rome, notable ancient examples include the arches of Augustus in Susa, Aosta,…
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