Arch of Constantine facts for kids

The Arch of Constantine (which is called Arco di Costantino in Italian) is a famous arch in Rome, Italy. You can find it right between the amazing Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. This arch was built to celebrate a big victory by Emperor Constantine I. He won a very important battle called the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. It's the newest of the many triumphal arches that were built in Rome.

Messages on the Arch

The Arch of Constantine has special messages carved into it. These messages, called inscriptions, were originally made with shiny bronze letters.

Main Message

The main message is the same on both sides of the arch. It says:

IMP · CAES · FL · CONSTANTINO · MAXIMO · P · F · AVGUSTO · S · P · Q · R · QVOD · INSTINCTV · DIVINITATIS · MENTIS · MAGNITVDINE · CVM · EXERCITV · SVO · TAM · DE · TYRANNO · QVAM · DE · OMNI · EIVS · FACTIONE · VNO · TEMPORE · IVSTIS · REM-PVBLICAM · VLTVS · EST · ARMIS · ARCVM · TRIVMPHIS · INSIGNEM · DICAVIT

This long Latin message means:

To Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantinus, the greatest, who is good and blessed: The Senate and People of Rome built this arch, decorated with triumphs. They did this because he, guided by divine inspiration and his great mind, saved the state from a cruel ruler and all his followers at the same time, using his army and fair weapons.

Other Messages

Inside the main archway, there are two shorter messages. They say:

LIBERATORI VRBIS (This means "liberator of the city")

FUNDATORI QVIETIS (This means "founder of peace")

Above the smaller archways, you can also see these messages:

VOTIS X — VOTIS XX

SIC X — SIC XX

These phrases are about promises and wishes for the emperor's rule. "VOTIS X" means "for 10 years of vows," and "VOTIS XX" means "for 20 years of vows." "SIC X" means "thus for 10 years," and "SIC XX" means "thus for 20 years." They show hopes for a long and successful reign.

Coordinates: 41°53′23″N, 12°29′27″E

Images for kids

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  The Arch of Constantine, Rome - painted by Herman van Swanevelt, 17th century

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  South side, from Via triumphalis. Colosseum to right

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  North side, from the Colosseum

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  West side

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  Relief panels, round reliefs and frieze over left (west) arch, from south

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  Round reliefs and frieze over right (east) arch, from south

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  Obsidio (detail)

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  Liberalitas (detail)

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  Detail of relief panel, south side, right panel of left arch }}

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  Plinths, north side looking east

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  Spandrel over main arch }}

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  North west: Liberalitas }}

See also

In Spanish: Arco de Constantino para niños