The arch was built in 203 A.D. to celebrate the victory of emperor Septimius Severus in Parthia which is now part of Iran and Iraq. While the arch is beautiful, what most people do not know while enjoying it is the story behind the arch. The panels of the arch show stages of the war between the Parthians and the Romans, as well as show Romans capturing barbarians. The top of the arch originally had bronze inscriptions dedicated to Septimius Severus, for his victory, as well as to his two sons, Caracella and Geta. After Septimius died, Caracella killed his brother Geta, and removed his name from the arch.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
HUM 225 Week 1
One of the best preserved monuments in the Forum Romanum is the Arch of Septimius Severus. The arch is 23 meters high and 25 meters wide. The arch has 3 archways with the middle one being 12 meters high and the two outside ones being 7 meters 80 centimeters high. The outside of the arch was originally made with a beautiful white marble.
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Nicole, Nice description of the arch. Be sure to indicate in the blog early which of the four areas you intend to address, the formal aspects, the historical significance, artist's biography, or iconographical analysis. I am assuming you chose a historical approach, but I need you to specifically identify in the blog which you are attempting. Thanks.
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