The Arch of Titus is located on the highest point of the Via Sacra, a road leading to the Roman Forum. It was constructed by the Roman Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his older brother Titus to commemorate Titus’ victories, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Bust of Emperor Titus
Arch of Titus
The Roman army, led by the future Emperor Titus, with Tiberius Julius Alexander as his second-in-command, besieged and conquered the city of Jerusalem, which had been occupied by its Jewish defenders in 66 AD. The siege ended with the sacking of the city and the destruction of its famous Second Temple.
Destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem by Nicolas Poussin
The south panel depicts the spoils taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. They include the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), silver trumpets, and the table for the shewbread.
Colour Relief of the South Panel: “The Spoils of War”, Showing the Triumphal Procession
The Arch of Titus has provided the general model for many of the triumphal arches erected, most famously the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
