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The arch is one of the most quintessential features of Roman architecture. It appears in aqueduct arcades, bridges, and many monumental structures like free-standing amphitheaters, stadiums, etc. Although the Romans didn’t create the arch, they certainly perfected its use in their constructions. Possibly the Romans were first exposed to the arch by the Etruscans (as indicated by the early archaeological record).

From Platner & Ashby’s (1929) Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome:

Often called Arcus Vespasiani et Titi, erected in 80/81 A.D. by the senate in honour of the emperor Titus, and to commemorate the capture of Jerusalem.

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We have no information about this arch, except what is contained in the inscription (CIL vi. 944) preserved in the Einsiedeln Itinerary and reported to have been found in the Circus Maximus. As a fragment (No. 38) of the Marble Plan indicates an arch at the east end of the circus, it is supposed that this arch replaced the porta Pompae, as the entrance at this point of the circus was regularly called.

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Cite this page as: Darius Arya, The American Institute for Roman Culture, Arcus Titi (Arch of Titus, Circus Maximus)” Ancient Rome Live. Last modified 03/19/2021. https://ancientromelive.org/arcus-titi-circus-maximus/

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