Description
The arch was raised on a travertine base originally approached by steps from the Forum's ancient level. The central archway, spanned by a richly coffered semicircular vault, has lateral openings to each side archway, a feature copied in many Early Modern triumphal arches.
The three archways rest on piers, in front of which are detached composite columns on pedestals. Winged Victories are carved in relief in the spandrels. A staircase in the south pier leads to the top of the monument, on which were statues of the emperor and his two sons in a four-horse chariot (quadriga), accompanied by soldiers.
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The Arch of Septimius Severus
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Lateral arched opening between main arch and a side archway
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Part of the Roman Forum, with the Arch left and the Palatine Hill right
Read more about this topic: Arch Of Septimius Severus
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