ARCH OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS

Arch of Septimius Severus - click to enlarge

The Arch of Septimius Severus was built around 202-203 AD to celebrate the emperor's victory over the Parthians, the ancient enemies of the Romans, who settled in Persia.

The steps below all the three fornixes of the arch prevented the passage of the wagons. The arch is 23 meters high and 25 wide.
Above the attic, as depicted in the coins, stood the bronze imperial chariot and groups of statues.

The Parthian War is depicted in four large panels (3.92 to 4.72 meters) that are located above the minor fornixes from both sides of the arch and in accordance with standard they should be read from the bottom to the top, following the narrative cycle ordered for horizontal bands.

Arch of Septimius Severus, panels - click to enlarge

Above the major fornix we see Winged Victories while above the minor fornixes River Gods.

Carved on high plinths supporting columns, you can appreciate the reliefs which depict Roman legionaries with Parthians prisoners.

Refined is the decoration of the vaults.

Arch of Septimius Severus, i rilievi - click to enlarge

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