Arco di Tito (Arch of Titus), Rome

The Arch of Titus, an honorific arch on the Sacred Street, was built by Emperor Domitian around 81 AD. Its purpose was to commemorate Domitian's brother Titus’ victory in Judaea (which is modern-day Israel and Palestine) and his subsequent deification. The arch celebrates the Roman triumph over the Jewish revolt (also known as the Great Revolt), which resulted in the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This victory brought over 60,000 Jewish slaves and immense wealth back to Rome, funding the construction of the Colosseum.

One of the only three surviving arches out of Rome’s original 36, the Arch of Titus provides a rare visual representation of the Roman triumphal procession of 71 AD. It also portrays Titus on horseback, symbolizing Rome’s dominance, and the Eagle, a representation of Roman power.

The Roman treatment of conquered people varied. Those who surrendered quickly were often incorporated into Roman society, while those who resisted fiercely—as in Judaea—faced brutal consequences such as mass slaughter, enslavement, and destruction of homes and livelihoods. The Jewish rebellion was crushed after the Romans breached three walls of Jerusalem over seven months, leading to one of the most devastating sackings of antiquity.

The arch's panels vividly depict scenes from this momentous event, offering one of the few contemporary representations of artifacts from Herod's Temple including the menorah, a multi-branched candelabra, used in the religious rituals of Judaism. While not explicitly mentioned, the panels closely mirror the narrative of the Roman procession described a decade earlier in the book titled "The Jewish War" written by Josephus, a first-century Roman-Jewish historian.

Beyond its historical importance, the Arch of Titus showcases a significant evolution in Roman art. The reliefs inside demonstrate early illusionistic techniques, giving a sense of depth and motion, a precursor to Baroque aesthetics nearly 1,500 years later. These artistic innovations highlight the stark contrast between the flourishing Roman Empire and the struggling tribes of northern Europe, who at the time still lived in primitive conditions.

As such, the arch had a long-lasting architectural influence, serving as a model for later triumphal arches, including the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Although the identity of its architect is uncertain, Rabirius, a favored designer of Emperor Domitian, is often suggested.

For Jewish communities, the arch remains a symbol of the diaspora. The menorah relief, a significant Jewish artifact depicted on the arch, later inspired the official emblem of the State of Israel. Today, the Arch of Titus is a must-see monument in Rome, linking the ancient past to modern history and symbolizing both Roman power and Jewish resilience.