The Arch of Titus is a commemorative structure built in 81 AD by Emperor Domitian. The emperor dedicated this arch to his brother and previous emperor Titus. The arch also commemorates the victory of Titus when he captured Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Arch is 15 meters high and is the oldest surviving example of a roman arch. The Arch, built at one edge of the Roman forum and was original built of marble. However it has been reinforced and refurbished and certain areas with travertine which allows you tell the original structure from the fixed structure. However the structure lacks solid history because many historical texts neglect to mention or even describe the arch.
The arch is very interesting thing to me, because here is this beautiful archway commemorating what is known to be a big political victory for Rome and yet there is barely any history about the arch. There is very little known about it and although most believe it to be built by Domitian for his older brother there are no definite. I also find it interesting that when rebuilding and fixing the structure to make it stronger and more durable they chose a different material so that you can distinguish the original piece from the new. I am torn between that choices. It is nice to be able to tell the original work from the new but, it would also be nice to be able to see the seamless structure as if it was 81 AD and it had just been constructed. None the less the Arch of Titus is a magnificent arch and a great example of ancient roman architecture.
1 comment:
I agree that when reconstructing the arch, they should have done it in a way that would have added to the original work, not take away from it. Fixing the structure with the original material would have helped preserve not only the arch itself, but the history as well. This is a prime example of ancient Roman architecture and should have been preserved with that in mind.
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