Arco di Tito (Arch of Titus), Rome

The Arch of Titus, located on the Via Sacra in Rome, stands as a magnificent honorific arch dating back to the 1st century AD. Positioned southeast of the Roman Forum, this arch was erected around 81 AD by Emperor Domitian, shortly after the death of his older brother Titus. Its purpose was to commemorate Titus's official deification and celebrate the joint victory of Titus and their father, Vespasian, over the Jewish rebellion in Judaea.

The arch serves as a visual testament to the triumphal procession held in 71 AD, following the Roman victory that culminated in the fall of Jerusalem. The arch's panels vividly depict scenes from this momentous event, offering one of the few contemporary representations of artifacts from Herod's Temple. While not explicitly mentioned, the panels closely mirror the narrative of the Roman procession described a decade earlier in Josephus' "The Jewish War."

Over time, the Arch of Titus became an emblematic symbol of the Jewish diaspora. Of particular significance is the depiction of the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, on the arch. This menorah served as the inspiration for the emblem of the State of Israel, becoming an enduring symbol of Jewish heritage and resilience.

The architectural design of the Arch of Titus has influenced numerous triumphal arches constructed since the 16th century. It served as a model for the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, showcasing its enduring impact on architectural history. While the exact architect of the arch remains uncertain, Rabirius, an esteemed architect favored by Domitian and potentially responsible for the construction of the Colosseum, is often credited as its designer. However, due to the lack of contemporary documentation, attributions based solely on stylistic analysis are considered speculative.