Arch of Titus

Question 1

Date

Answer 1

Completed soon after 81AD following the death and deification of the emperor Titus son of Vespasian

Question 2

Materials

Answer 2

Originally made from pantelic marble from near Athens

Question 3

Location

Answer 3

Close to the highest point on the Via Sacra in Rome. The road descends into the forum to the west

Question 4

Why it was built

Answer 4

Commerate the triumph celebrated in AD71 by Titus and his father Vespasian after the victory in the Jewish War (AD66-70) and secondly it celebrates Titus’ apotheosis - his elevation to god-line status.

Question 5

Inscription

Answer 5

On the eastern side of the attic
“The Senate and the People of Rome, to Divine Titus Vespasian Augustus, son of Divine Vespasian”
Tells us it was completed after the death and deification of the emperor Titus, in 81AD

Question 6

South Panel Meaning

Answer 6

Shows the returning soldiers shouldering the religious objects taken from Jerusalem

Question 7

Important aspects South Panel

Answer 7

Placards showing names of conquered cities
Menorah - 7 branched candle stick
Table of shrew bread and silver trumpets
Legionaries wear no armour and are unarmed, as was tradition in triumphal processions
Eyes are drawn towards spoils of victory
Heads bop up and down suggesting business, liveliness, depth
Soldiers 3/4 view
Soldiers overlap = procession busy

Question 8

North Panel meaning

Answer 8

Depicts the concluding half of the procession

Question 9

Sculptural techniques North Panel

Answer 9

Depth:
Low - Lictors carrying fasces
High - Horses, figures
Movement:
Different angles of fasces indicate movement
Horses facing in the same direction
Placement of Titus is not centered indicating movement
Drapery:
Moves with the body
Pose:
Walking behind is an old bearded man: the genius of the senate
Titus dominates the scene as he is positioned slightly higher

Question 10

Propoganda

Answer 10

Most other commemorative triumphal arches were not made to be walked under
Genius of Senate and Roman people tell us that Titus was supported by them
Obvious celebration of victory
Deification of Titus - as a God, therefore his family would be too
Set along the sacred way - designed to be walked under - shows the procession that Titus soldiers would have had
Emphasis Greatness of Flavian dynasty
We saw the same use of allegorical figures in scenes on the Ara Pacis