Bradley N. Weber
Arch of Septimius Severus
This triumphal arch was built in 203 AD by the Emperor Septimius Severus to commemorate his victories in battle against the Parthians. Imagery from the campaigns, along with Severan family references supply the arch's decoration. Through the arch would have marched the conquering army, headed by Severus and his sons followed by prisoners and the spoils of war. On the death of Septimius Severus his notorious son Caracalla took control. To secure his position, and out of spite, Caracalla murdered his brother Geta. With Geta's death the Emperor had all images and references to Geta destroyed. So if one knows where too look, you can see the places on the arch where Geta's image and name have been carved out. This was known as Damnatio Memoriae. It was monuments such as this which inspired Napoleon to build the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Arch of Septimius Severus
This triumphal arch was built in 203 AD by the Emperor Septimius Severus to commemorate his victories in battle against the Parthians. Imagery from the campaigns, along with Severan family references supply the arch's decoration. Through the arch would have marched the conquering army, headed by Severus and his sons followed by prisoners and the spoils of war. On the death of Septimius Severus his notorious son Caracalla took control. To secure his position, and out of spite, Caracalla murdered his brother Geta. With Geta's death the Emperor had all images and references to Geta destroyed. So if one knows where too look, you can see the places on the arch where Geta's image and name have been carved out. This was known as Damnatio Memoriae. It was monuments such as this which inspired Napoleon to build the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.