Arch of Titus

April 6, 2012

The Arch of Titus was built to commemorate Titus’ defeat of Jerusalem which took place in AD 70.

Arch of Titus. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

The Latin inscription at the top reads, “The Senate and People of Rome, to Divus Titus, son of Divus Vespasian, Vespasian August.” (The title Divus indicates that the arch was erected after Titus’ death).

Inscription on Arch of Titus. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

Titus died at the young age of 50 in AD 81. Deification of the Roman Emperors took place after death. His deified figure is depicted on the underside of the archway. He is portrayed flying heavenward on the back of an eagle.

Underside of Arch of Titus. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

Note the detail of the center coffer of the coffering.

Detail of deified figure of Titus. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

The arch was built in AD 81-82 by Titus’ brother, the Emperor Domitian.

A previous post on the Arch of Titus appeared here.

Click on images for larger view.

Leave a Comment » | Bible History and Geography, Italy, photography, Roman Empire, Rome, Travel | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Leon Mauldin

Safely Back Home

March 22, 2012

I’m happy to report that my group had a safe return flight back to the states today. Three of our number stayed an extra day and are to fly back tomorrow.

A great trip, lots of good memories; good folks to share the experience with.

For tonight I’ll share a group photo that was made yesterday morning. This is along the Via Sacra. You can see the Arch of Titus in the distance. You can also see the beautiful weather I’ve referenced more than once during this trip.

Group Shot in Rome, with Arch of Titus in Background.

Click on image for larger view.

2 Comments | Italy, Rome, Travel | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Leon Mauldin

Arch of Titus

March 3, 2012

The Arch dedicated to Titus is in the Forum at Rome, located at the highest point of the Via Sacra. It was on this street that most of the religious processions took place.

Arch of Titus, located in Forum of Ancient Rome. Photo by Nancy Picogna.

The arch was built to commemorate the Roman defeat of Judea, including the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. Inside the arch, one side depicts the Roman soldiers removing the menorah, table of showbread and silver trumpets from the temple as it was destroyed in AD 70. Vespasian was Emperor and Titus was the commander of the Roman army at that time.  Titus was Emperor AD 79-81. After Titus’ death, the arch was constructed ca.AD 81 by Titus’ brother, the new Emperor Domitian.

Emperor Titus, AD 79-81. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

This head of Titus (exhibit #348, Athens Museum), is made of Pentelic marble and was “probably found at Smyrna, Asia Minor. It is an earlier portrait head (possibly of the emperor Caligula) with parts reworked to render the features of Titus.”

3 Comments | Bible History and Geography, Bible Study, Italy, New Testament, Roman Empire, Uncategorized | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Leon Mauldin

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