The Arch of Titus: Last surviving evidence of an ancient religious mystery

The Arch of Titus was erected during a pivotal period in Roman history, marked by military conquests, political transitions, and architectural advancements.

The arch was commissioned by Emperor Domitian around 81 AD, following the death of his brother Titus, to commemorate Titus’s victories, notably the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

This event marked the culmination of the First Jewish–Roman War, resulting in the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Second Temple, and the subjugation of Judea under Roman rule.

The triumph in Jerusalem was a significant military achievement for the Roman Empire, showcasing its might and consolidating its control over the Eastern Mediterranean.

The construction of the Arch of Titus also coincided with the Flavian dynasty's rule, a period characterized by the consolidation of imperial power and the expansion of the Roman Empire.

The Flavians, comprising Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, sought to legitimize their rule and establish a lasting legacy through monumental architecture and public works.

The Arch of Titus, in this context, served not only as a commemorative monument to military victory but also as a symbol of the divine favor and legitimacy of the Flavian dynasty.

Constructed predominantly of Pentelic marble, a material renowned for its fine quality and lustrous finish, the arch exemplifies the epitome of Roman engineering and artistic craftsmanship.

The Arch of Titus features a single, large archway, flanked by columns and crowned with a majestic attic, a design that has inspired countless triumphal arches throughout history.

The architectural composition is characterized by a harmonious balance of proportions, with the entablature and decorative elements meticulously crafted to exemplify the grandeur of the Roman victory.

One of the most notable reliefs adorns the inner passageway of the arch, depicting the Roman soldiers' triumphant procession following the Siege of Jerusalem.

This detailed scene showcases the spoils taken from the Second Temple, including the golden Menorah, the Table of the Shewbread, and the silver trumpets of Jericho, symbolizing the fall of the Jewish stronghold and the might of the Roman Empire. 

This image is the last historical evidence of the Menorah from the Second Temple period, which makes it an incredibly significant source of evidence about the Jewish religion in the Roman period.

At the apex of the passageway, another significant relief depicts the deified Titus being crowned by a personification of Victory, symbolizing his 'apotheosis' and divine favor.

An 'apotheosis' is the elevation of a person to the status of a god, often represented in art as an individual ascending to the heavens.

On the Arch of Titus, the apotheosis depicted is that of Emperor Titus, riding on an eagle to the heavens, which symbolized his deification and immortalization in the divine realm following his death.

This scene was meant to reinforce the notion of the emperor's divine ascendancy and the sanctity of his rule, serving as a powerful piece of imperial propaganda.

The composition and execution of this relief exemplify the Roman ability to intertwine artistic representation and political ideology, creating a lasting image of the emperor’s glory and divine association.

The depiction of the spoils of Jerusalem, prominently displayed on the arch, has had profound implications for the Jewish community.

The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple marked a cataclysmic event in Jewish history, signifying loss, displacement, and the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora.

The arch’s reliefs, immortalizing this moment of defeat, have been a poignant reminder of historical trauma and a symbol of resilience and endurance for the Jewish people.

Conversely, for the Romans, the Arch of Titus served as a symbol of imperial power and divine favor, reinforcing the cultural narrative of Roman supremacy and the divine sanction of its rulers.

The arch’s imagery and inscriptions celebrated Roman victories and the expansion of the empire, contributing to the shaping of Roman identity and values.

The depiction of Titus’s apotheosis, in particular, underscored the connection between the emperor and the divine, reinforcing the sanctity of imperial rule and the cultural ethos of divine kingship in ancient Rome.