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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 2023 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano Constantine strikes also for the engineering and logistics aspects related to its con- struction, which took place in a relatively short span and b r o u g h t t o g e t h e r t h e Romans' unparalleled effi- ciency, organization, and craftsmanship. Their ability to erect such a monumental structure in a limited time- frame speaks volumes about their advanced building tech- niques and the well-coordi- nated efforts of architects, artisans, and laborers. W h i l e t h e m a j e s t y a n d beauty of the Arch is there for all to be seen and noticed, we need to get a tad closer and more observant to under- stand why it is also consid- ered an important historical source. The friezes adorning it are visual chronicles of a defining chapter in Rome's with the new, the arch tells a layered story, honoring both Constantine's achievements and the legacy of his prede- cessors. Architecturally speaking, the Arch of Constantine is a masterclass in Roman archi- tectural brilliance. Towering at over 70 feet, its design is both grand and intricate: it is dominated by a large central arch, which is symmetrically flanked by two smaller arch- es, creating a harmonious balance in its structure. The arches themselves are framed b y C o r i n t h i a n c o l u m n s , known for their ornate capi- tals that echo ancient Greek influences and designs, a showcase of Rome's appreci- ation for and adaptation of o t h e r c u l t u r e s ' a r t i s t i c expressions. Beyond its aes- thetic appeal, the Arch of history: beginning with the emperor's strategic departure from Milan, the narrative unfolds across the stone, cap- turing the Siege of Verona's intensity and then, of course, the Battle of Milvian Bridge, a pivotal confrontation that changed the course of Roman history. But the story doesn't end with the battle's conclu- sion, because the reliefs con- tinue, illustrating Constan- tine's triumphant entry into Rome, a city that would soon embrace him as its savior. Further panels depict his acts of benevolence, showcasing his commitment to the well- b e i n g a n d p r o s p e r i t y o f Rome's citizens. To fully understand the A r c h ' s s i g n i f i c a n c e , w e should also take a closer look at its specific location. We've already mentioned the Via Triumphalis, but other near- by monuments can help us understand better its mean- ing and significance. Indeed, the Arch was built not far from the Meta Sudans, a grand conical fountain that was as much a part of Rome's identity as the Colosseum nearby. This fountain, posi- tioned strategically between the Colosseum and the Tem- ple of Venus and Roma, was more than just a source of w a t e r , i t w a s a s y m b o l o f Rome's grandeur. The prox- imity of the Arch of Constan- tine to the Meta Sudans is s i g n i f i c a n t b e c a u s e b o t h structures, in their own ways, celebrated victories: while the Arch commemorated Con- stantine's triumph over Max- entius, the fountain, with its refreshing waters, might have b e e n s e e n a s a s y m b o l o f rejuvenation and renewal for the city's inhabitants. Today, only the foundation of the Meta Sudans remains. However, its ghostly presence s e r v e s a s a r e m i n d e r o f Rome's rich and layered his- tory. Standing side by side, the Arch and the fountain once formed a harmonious architectural duo, each echo- ing the city's tales of triumph, resilience, and evolution. The Arch of Constantine b e a r s w i t n e s s t o R o m e ' s immense history, its victo- ries, and transformations. Etched in stone, it chronicles the key moments that shaped an empire. As the years pass and the city changes, the arch remains steadfast, as unwa- vering as the significance of Ancient Rome in the develop- ment of Western culture and identity. monument to one emperor's victory, it's really a record of Rome's rich history and art. While its primary dedication is to Constantine, the arch intriguingly borrows and repurposes decorative ele- ments from earlier periods. Among these are reliefs cele- brating the achievements of emperors Trajan, Hadrian, a n d M a r c u s A u r e l i u s . B y incorporating these pieces, the arch becomes a visual journey through different epochs of Roman leadership. The practice of repurposing architectural and artistic ele- ments, known as spolia, was not merely a matter of convenience or resourceful- n e s s , i t w a s a d e l i b e r a t e choice, that wanted to sym- b o l i z e t h e c o n t i n u i t y o f Roman greatness across gen- erations. By blending the old T u c k e d a w a y between the icon- ic Colosseum and the Palatine Hill i n R o m e , t h e Arch of Constantine is a majestic reminder of ancient v i c t o r i e s a n d R o m a n g r a n d e u r : t h i s t r i u m p h a l arch, the largest of its kind in Rome, is more than a monu- ment, it's a history book. Let's discover why together. The Arch is a monumental tribute to a defining moment in the annals of the Roman Empire. Commissioned by the Roman Senate and com- pleted in 315 AD, this grand building celebrates Emper- or Constantine I's decisive victory over his rival, Maxen- tius, at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. The battle itself was more than a mere clash of Roman titans because legend has it that, on its eve, Constantine experienced a divine vision. He saw a cross of light in the sky with the inscription in hoc signo, vinces, "In this sign, you will conquer." Tak- ing this as a divine endorse- ment, Constantine had his soldiers paint the Christian symbol on their shields: the subsequent victory was not only a personal triumph for Constantine but was per- ceived as a divine mandate for his rule. This celestial intervention and the resultant victory had profound implications, as it was, so to speak, the begin- ning of the end for paganism in the Roman Empire. Con- stantine, once a patron of the t r a d i t i o n a l R o m a n g o d s , b e c a m e a c h a m p i o n of Christianity. He would go on to issue the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting religious tolerance to Chris- tians and laying the founda- tion for the empire's transi- tion to Christianity. The arch itself, located on the Via Triumphalis, stands on historic ground because this was the celebrated route t h a t v i c t o r i o u s e m p e r o r s would tread, basking in the adulation of the Roman pop- ulace, as they made their grand entrance into the city. With its intricate reliefs and inscriptions, it serves as a frozen moment in time, cap- turing the jubilation, rever- ence, and monumental shift i n t h e e m p i r e ' s s p i r i t u a l direction. But this is more than a LUCA SIGNORINI The Arch of Constantine (Photo: Cosmin Anton/Dreamstime) LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE The triumph of an emperor: Constantine and his arch

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