Roman Triumphal Arch: South Facade--page 1 (of 3 pages)

Built on earlier foundations, this arch was probably constructed between 21-27 CE.



Although this large and impressive arch is similar to those in Rome (See the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus), this arch is not considered a triumphal arch like those. Rather, it is a commemorative arch erected by the veterans of the Roman legion to commemorate the founding of their city. Eventually the monument was dedicated to the Emperor Tiberius. "When it was built it was near the Via Agrippa which went from Arles to Lyon" (Boullé 7). Like the Arch of Constantine, it has three arches--a taller central arch flanked by shorter arches. The arches are framed by fluted engaged columns on tall plinths. There was probably a bronze quadriga on the top as well as statues.
 
The four facades are oriented to the four cardinal points. This south facade is less well preserved that the opposite face (the north).
 
 

right: relief with naval symbols
 
 

Coffered barrel-vaulted ceilings

The coffering is a honey-comb pattern "with 15 rows of 9 cells under the central vault and 10 rows of 13 hexagons under the 2 side arches" (Boullé 11).


Continue to page 2.

Work Cited and Consulted:
Jean Boullé. Orange. Art et Tourisme. n. d.

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© 2008 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.