The Arch of Titus: A Commemorative Sepulchral Monument

Jenna A. Altherr

Florida State University

It is commonly believed that the Arch of Titus, constructed after his death and located at the end of the Roman Forum on the Velian Hill, was a triumphal monument for Titus memorializing his conquest of the Jews in 70 C.E.  However, if the Velian arch is Titus’ victory monument, then it remains unclear why this arch was constructed after the arch of Titus in the Circus Maximus had previously been built to commemorate the same event.  Because of this first arch, I believe there is a duality to the Velian monument in that it is more than a triumphal arch – it is both a triumphal arch and a sepulchral monument.  I base this on its similarities in figural representation and inscription material with other sepulchral monuments.

Taking into account that the smiting of the Jews was Titus’ most important victory, it merited public representation in the form of a commemorative monument.  The argument could be made that the Velian arch was triumphal, singularly, because of its placement on the Sacra Via.  The Circus Maximus and the Sacra Via were both places where the populace congregated.  Each area would allow for sufficient promulgation of the victory on the one hand, and the new propaganda being spread by the Flavians in apposition to the Julio-Claudians on the other hand.

Stressing Haarløv’s theory of the “open door” motif in funerary art, which represents eternal life, I argue that the apotheosis scene of Titus on the Velian arch required the arch’s placement on the Sacra Via, as a means of an open portal for Titus’ immortality.  Therefore, in this paper, I posit that the Arch of Titus on the Velian was not merely a triumphal arch, but a sepulchral monument with a commemorative aspect for the late Titus, while the arch in the Circus Maximus was one constructed solely for the purpose of celebrating a victory.