![]() The design of the candlestick has raised many problems and much has been written on it, the authenticity of the base in particular being called in question, as it consists of two hexagons, the one superimposed on the other, on whose sides dragons are depicted. These consist of the table of shewbread, the trumpets, the censers, and the seven-branched candlestick, which is especially conspicuous, being carried aloft by the victors. It has a dedicatory inscription and various bas-reliefs, the best known being the one on the inner wall of the arch which shows the Temple vessels carried in a triumphal procession as spoils. Regarded as an architectural masterpiece, it influenced the architecture of the following period. While it may have been started before the time of Domitian, it was definitely completed after Titus' death, since the inscription refers to him as divine ( Divo Tito). This arch, which is extant, was set up at the western end of the Via Sacra. (2) At a later stage, during the reign of Titus' brother Domitian, another triumphal arch was either erected or completed to commemorate this victory. Dedicated by the senate and the Roman people in honor of Titus, the inscription enumerates his virtues and refers to the submission of the Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem as a feat unparalleled among the achievements of former kings and commanders. This arch, no longer extant, is known from its inscription, which was copied in the Middle Ages. during his reign as emperor, apparently at the eastern end of the Circus Maximus in Rome. Modern arches have been modeled on the Arch of Titus, especially Napolean's Arc de Triomphe in Paris which maintains the same proportions but is larger.(1) A triumphal arch commemorating *Titus' victory over the Jews and his conquest of Jerusalem, erected in 80 c.e. This scene depicts the deification or apotheosis of Titus. At the top of the inside of the arch is a sculpted bust of Titus being elevated to heaven on the wings of an eagle. The fasces were a symbol of the emperor’s presence and power. The lictors, the emperor’s attendants, can be seen holding a bundle of sticks called the fasces. The figure behind him is the goddess, Victory, holding a crown over his head. Titus is driving a four-horse chariot or quadriga. The north relief on the interior depicts Titus himself during his triumphal procession. These three items were housed in the Temple of Jerusalem and their presence represents the conquering of the Romans over Jerusalem. On the south relief, the spoils of war are displayed as part of the procession: Trumpets, the table of Showbread, and the menorah. The reliefs depict the triumphal procession of Titus, honored for his destruction of Jerusalem. The arch is famous for its reliefs located on the north and south side of the interior. Coins were also minted with a captured Judea personified. This body is often interpreted as the personification of the River Jordan, a symbol of Judea where Jerusalem is located. ![]() The procession depicted in the eastern facing frieze includes a corpse being carried on a stretcher (ferculum). Its completion must be after 81CE because Titus has to be dead in order to be deified. It is thought that Domitian, the next emperor, had the arch built to honor his brother. Uniquely, the arch is not specifically mentioned in any historical text so the exact date of its construction is debated. Titus succeeded his father and ruled for only two years from 79-81 CE. It was dedicated to the Divine Emperor Titus, son of Vespasian, and it honored his victory over Jerusalem in 70CE. It is the entry point of the Sacra Via that runs along the northern border of the forum. The Arch of Titus towers over the east end of the Roman Forum.
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