Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, Pula (must see)

One of the greatest naval engagements in ancient history was the Battle of Actium. Octavian faced the forces of Cleopatra and Antony in their bid for the power of Rome. Octavian's ships destroyed his enemies' formations. One of the winners that day was Lucius Sergius Lepidus, a tribune of the 29th Legion. In 27 BC an arch in Pula was erected in his honor.

The arch honors the family Sergii as well as Lucius. The Sergii were a powerful family of the Roman colony in Pula. The triumphal arch was built on the facade of a gate in the city walls called Golden Gate (Porta Aurea). An Inscription declares the arch was financed by Salvia Postuma Sergia, the wife of Lucius.

The names of the father and uncle of Lucius are also inscribed on the arch. Initially, statues of the two older men flanked the statue of Lucius on the top of the monument. A frieze depicts ornamental cupids, garlands and bucrania, the heads of sacrificial bulls. The arch has two corinthian columns and winged victories in the spandrels.

Seen from the town side, a hellenistic style relief shows a scene of a war chariot and horses. The arch was well known in the Renaissance. It influenced many artists, including Michelangelo and Piranesi.