#CLST6 #RR20 For me the arch is one of the most symbolic forms of architecture found in the Roman world. While other civilizations had utilized the arch in the past, the Romans were the first to realize their full potential in imperial and triumphal arches. https://twitter.com/FlintCLST6/status/1326218955812450304

Triumphal arches were found both in Roman and throughout the Roman Empire, prominently displaying the reigns of Roman emperors and victories in warfare. The well-preserved Arch of Augustus, Susa gives an example of these early imperial arches that would be found in Italy.

The arch's prominent positions within the outposts of the Empire made them notable features in the architecture of Roman towns and cities. The arch of Septimus Severus in Libya for example would have been seen by many passerby and would serve to uphold Roman rule in the area.

As a side note, other than imperial and triumphal arches, the arch found use in the many aqueducts, such as the Augustan aqueduct bridge, Pont-du-Gard, in bringing huge quantities of water into the city.

Overall, wherever a Roman citizen would look arches, would form an impressive part of the visual experience of the Roman world.

Sources:
Dibble, Out of Rome
Kleiner, Roman Art, 119-120, 122-125