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Ancient Artefact of the Day: The Arch of Titus
Standing at the eastern end of the Roman Forum, the arch was erected ca. AD 81 as a commemoration for the Emperor Titus' campaigns in Judaea. #AAOTD
Image: Museum of New Zealand (O.033940)
Standing at the eastern end of the Roman Forum, the arch was erected ca. AD 81 as a commemoration for the Emperor Titus' campaigns in Judaea. #AAOTD
Image: Museum of New Zealand (O.033940)
Perhaps the best-known of Roman triumphal arches, it must be remembered that much of its modern appearance is owed to the rebuilding work of Valadier in 1822 which detached it from the medieval buildings that had been attached to it.
Image: 'The Arch of Titus', Canaletto (1742)
Image: 'The Arch of Titus', Canaletto (1742)
It is best known for the scenes upon it showing the Flavian Triumph of AD 71, with the placards denoting defeated tribes and the treasures taken from the Temple in Jerusalem notable for their prominence, as is also testified by Josephus (Jewish War, 7.148-152).
This arch, established in by Domitian, served as a permanent reminder of the Flavians' success, although a temporary arch had been established in the Circus Maximus for the triumphal procession itself. Indeed several subsequent arches seem to have been set up to Titus’ victory...
including one in AD 80 which bore this inscription: "The Senate and People of Rome to Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus, son of Divus Vespasian, pontifex maximus, holding tribunician power for the 10th time, hailed imperator 17 times, consul 8 times...
...father of the fatherland, their princeps. For having subdued the Jewish race, under his father’s command, and following his example and advice, and for having destroyed the city of Jerusalem...
...which all previous generals, kings and peoples had attacked in vain or left untouched" [MW 53 = ILS 264 = EDCS-17301062].
The destruction of Jerusalem, in particular the Temple, is doubtless one of the most controversial actions of any Roman general or emperor.
The destruction of Jerusalem, in particular the Temple, is doubtless one of the most controversial actions of any Roman general or emperor.
That this was the case is clearly shown by the ancient sources themselves, in particular Josephus, the Jewish historian who wrote at the court the Flavian emperors, who gives two different versions of this moment. In one variant (Jewish War 6.254), he claims that...
..."Titus ran towards the Temple to put out the fire". But in 'Jewish Antiquities' (20.250), which was written later in AD 93/94, Josephus would claim that Titus captured and set fire to the Temple. Sulpicius Severus (Chronicle 2.30.7) would also claim that Titus deliberatley...
...destroyed the Temple "to remove more completely the religion of the Jews and Christians". Given his earlier reputation for cruelty and greed, one cannot put such a decision beyond Titus' imagination.
However, for the Romans, the Arch and its associated imagery served as a potent reminder of the supremacy of Roman military power. For Domitian himself, the arch also served as useful propaganda, linking him with the successes of the earlier Flavian emperors.
This significance is highlighted by the panel in the vault of the arch showing the apotheosis of Titus.
For more on the Arch, see:
Holloway, R. Ross. “SOME REMARKS ON THE ARCH OF TITUS.” L'Antiquité Classique, vol. 56, 1987, pp. 183–191.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/41656878
#AAOTD #Titus
Holloway, R. Ross. “SOME REMARKS ON THE ARCH OF TITUS.” L'Antiquité Classique, vol. 56, 1987, pp. 183–191.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/41656878
#AAOTD #Titus
