The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch standing between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill in Rome. The Senate and people of Rome dedicated it to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory over his rival Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. It is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch, with three passageways, and it is notable because much of its sculpture was reused from earlier monuments of the emperors Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius, with Constantine's own reliefs added in a noticeably different style. The inscription credits the victory to divine inspiration without naming a specific god, a wording often discussed in connection with Constantine's religious policy. The arch has survived in good condition and has been restored several times.
Before and after
- 23 February 303 CEThe Great Persecution of Christians begins
- from 304 CE to 439 CESixteen Kingdoms
- 312 CEOrigins of Basilica of Maxentius
- June 313 CEEdict of Milan
- 25 July 315 CEConstruction of Arch of Constantine
- from 320 CE to 550 CEGupta Empire
- 325 CEFirst Council of Nicaea
- 327 CEConstruction of Church of the Nativity
- c. 330 CEKing Ezana converts Aksum to Christianity
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- from c. 2,601 BCE to 1,901 BCEThe Indus Valley cities reach maturity
- c. 1,274 BCEConstruction of Abu Simbel
- from 351 BCE to 1494Construction of Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- from 323 BCE to 30 BCEHellenistic period
- 323 BCEConstruction of Temple of Ephesian Artemis
- 248 BCEConstruction of Terracotta Army
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 4th century.