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Arch of Septimus Severus facts for kids

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The Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum.
Close-up of relief.
A close-up of a detailed carving on the Arch.

The Arch of Septimius Severus (in Italian: Arco di Settimio Severo) is a large, white marble triumphal arch. You can find it at the northwest end of the famous Roman Forum in Rome. It was built to celebrate important victories.

The arch was officially dedicated in 203 AD. This was after the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons won battles against the Parthians. The Romans fought two main campaigns against the Parthians between 194 and 199 AD.

Septimius Severus had two sons, Caracalla and Geta. After their father died, both sons became emperors and ruled together for a short time. However, Caracalla later had Geta killed in 212 AD. After Geta's death, Caracalla wanted everyone to forget about him. So, Geta's pictures and name were removed from the arch and other public buildings. This act was called damnatio memoriae, which means 'condemnation of memory'.

Images for kids

  • Canaletto Arch of Septimius Severus

    The Arch of Septimius Severus painted by Canaletto in 1742, before the Roman Forum was fully excavated. (Royal Collection, UK)

  • Spandrels with Victorias on the Arch of Septimius Severus

    Winged Victories (goddesses of victory) on the curved parts of the arch.

  • Arch of Septimius Severus - 'Edessa" Relief Panel - Right Side (East Facade)

    This carving shows events from Edessa during the war against the Parthians.

  • Roman marble bust of Septimius Severus, Eskenazi Museum of Art

    A Roman Marble Bust (sculpture of the head and shoulders) of Septimius Severus.

  • Arch Septimius Severus Column Phocas Forum Romanum Rome

    The Column of Phocas with the Arch of Septimius Severus in the background.

  • RomaArcoSettimioSeveroPassaggio

    A side arched opening next to the main archway.

  • Arch of Septimus Severus East

    The Arch of Septimius Severus from the east side.

  • 0 Arc de Septime Sévère - Rome (5)

    Detailed carvings showing scenes from the war.

  • Comitium

    The Arch of Septimius Severus with parts of a medieval fortification still visible.

  • 0 Arc de Septime Sévère - Rome (3)

    The decorated bases (plinths) of the columns.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arco de Septimio Severo para niños

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