Septimius Severus Arch

The Arch of Septimius Severus, located at the northwestern end of the Roman Forum, is a grand triple-arched monument erected in 203 CE to commemorate the military victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, over the Parthian Empire. Constructed from travertine and brick and faced with Pentelic marble, it stands over 20 meters high and 23 meters wide, featuring Corinthian columns and a richly decorated attic inscribed with a dedicatory text. Its sculptural reliefs are particularly remarkable, vividly illustrating scenes of war, triumph, and the emperor addressing his troops, including depictions of captured enemies, liberated cities, and the spoils of conquest. The arch also reflects the political climate of the time, as Caracalla’s subsequent damnatio memoriae erased Geta’s image and inscriptions from the monument. A centerpiece of the Forum, the Arch of Septimius Severus exemplifies Roman imperial propaganda, architectural mastery, and artistic excellence, standing as a testament to the power and grandeur of the Severan dynasty.

A column to commemorate the victories. Grand and majestic and one of the few still standing

The Arch is a monumental white marble triumphal arch dedicated in 203 AD. It was built to commemorate Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, for their victories in two Parthian campaigns (194–195 and 197–199). After Severus’s death, Caracalla had Geta assassinated and ordered his memory erased (damnatio memoriae), leading to the removal of Geta’s name and images from the arch. Standing about 23 meters high and 25 meters wide, the arch was raised on a travertine base and originally approached by steps. Its richly decorated design includes a central vaulted archway with lateral openings, a feature later copied in many triumphal arches, as well as elaborate reliefs depicting military campaigns. Part of the broader Severan dynasty’s tradition of monumental building, the arch remains one of the most prominent and well-preserved structures in the Forum, symbolizing both imperial triumph and the political struggles within the ruling family.

At the north-west end of the Forum, at the foot of the Capitoline, the Arch of Septimius Severus stands like a carved billboard for Rome’s eastern wars. Dedicated in AD 203, it honours Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta for victories over the Parthians. A high central vault is flanked by two smaller arches; above, four large panels show sieges, surrenders and wagonloads of spoils from cities such as Nisibis and Ctesiphon, with prisoners carved on the pedestals below. The main inscription once named all three rulers, until Caracalla had Geta murdered and his name cut out. Medieval cart traffic left ruts in the bases, but the arch still announces triumph and erasure at the Forum’s entrance.

The Arch of Septimius Severus is one of the most impressive monuments inside the Roman Forum. It was built in 203 AD to celebrate Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons’ military victories in the East, especially against the Parthians. The detailed reliefs carved into the arch tell stories of those ancient battles and still remain visible after almost two thousand years. Its white marble structure, with three grand passageways and beautifully preserved decorations, makes it a stunning example of Roman imperial architecture. The light hitting the arch in the early morning or before sunset gives it a magical atmosphere. As a photographer, I love bringing my clients here to capture timeless portraits. The arch creates a powerful background, especially when combined with the surrounding ruins and views from the Capitoline Hill terraces. It’s one of my favorite spots for historical and romantic shoots in Rome.

I have always enjoyed seeing the Arch of Septimius Severus situated in the northwest corner of the Roman. This is one of the most complete structures found amongst so many old building ruins of Ancient Rome. It dates back to 202-03 AD and celebrates Emperor Septimius Severus military victories over the Parthians several years earlier. Made of marble, it is 26.5 metres tall, 23 metres wide and adorned with reliefs of battle scenes and other ornamentation. It includes a large centre arch along with two small passageways. You can see it up close from ground level with the paid entry ticket for the Roman Forum. However, you can see it quite wall from the public walkway up to Piazza del Campidoglio. From here you are really close and and have even higher viewing vantage point.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Arch of Septimius Severus, a stunning monument located in the Roman Forum in the heart of ancient Rome. This triumphal arch, built in 203 AD, is dedicated to the Roman emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, celebrating their victory over the Parthian Empire. The arch stands proudly at the northern entrance to the Forum, and it’s impossible to miss due to its grandeur and intricate details. It was originally erected by the Senate to honor the military achievements of Severus in the East, marking a significant moment in Rome’s expansion and power. As we approached the arch, we marveled at the remarkable reliefs on the side panels, which depict key moments from the victorious Parthian campaign. These reliefs are exceptionally well-preserved and provide valuable insight into Roman military life and the emperor’s conquest. One of the most striking scenes shows the emperor’s army, with soldiers, cavalry, and war machines, bringing to life the scale and discipline of the Roman legions. The inscriptions on the arch celebrate the emperor’s victories and the relationship between the emperor and the Senate. Interestingly, the arch also includes a rare representation of Septimius Severus with his two sons, emphasizing the continuity of the Severan dynasty, though only Caracalla was eventually honored after Geta’s murder by his brother. Standing beneath the arch, we felt immersed in the history of Rome, as the structure remains a significant testament to the power and influence of the Roman Empire. The Arch of Septimius Severus is a great place to reflect on Roman history, particularly in terms of its imperial conquests and the political intricacies of the empire. For anyone visiting the Roman Forum, we highly recommend stopping by the Arch of Septimius Severus. Its historical significance, impressive architecture, and well-preserved artwork make it one of the must-see monuments in Rome. It’s a fantastic spot to learn about the grandeur of Roman military achievements and the lasting legacy of its emperors.

One of those quiet, unforgettable spots in Rome Captured during a sweet couple session with Eidos Photography, right above the Roman Forum. A peaceful view over the Arch of Septimius Severus pure magic. — Jeff, your photographer in Rome