A history book carved in marble

The Arch of Constantine is more than an imposing monument: it is a true open-air gallery of Roman sculpture, bringing together works from three different centuries. Here is what to look for when you study it up close.

The structure: three archways

The arch has three openings (archways): a larger central one and two smaller side ones. Built in marble, standing more than 20 m tall, it is crowned by an attic with large reliefs and inscriptions. Its sheer scale and decorative wealth make it the grandest surviving triumphal arch in Rome.

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The Hadrianic roundels

High above the side archways, eight roundels (circular medallions, tondi) from the age of Hadrian (2nd century) stand out, showing hunting and sacrifice scenes. These are works of exceptional quality, reused from an earlier monument: they count among the most elegant reliefs on the entire arch.

The Marcus Aurelius reliefs

On the attic sit large panels taken from a monument of Marcus Aurelius (2nd century), depicting scenes of war and public life under the philosopher-emperor. These too were "reused," symbolically tying Constantine to the great rulers of the past.

The Constantinian frieze

Unlike the older reliefs, the frieze running above the smaller archways dates from the 4th century and was made specifically for the arch: it tells the story of Constantine's campaign, from his departure to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (Ponte Milvio), and on to his triumphal entry into Rome. Its more pared-down, "narrative" style marks the shift toward late antique art.

The inscriptions

The attic is dominated by the great dedicatory inscription, with the famous phrase instinctu divinitatis ("by the inspiration of the divinity"), a deliberately ambiguous reference that perfectly captures this era of transition between paganism and Christianity.

How to view it at its best

  1. Start with the structure of the three archways
  2. Look up to the Hadrianic roundels
  3. Study the Marcus Aurelius panels on the attic
  4. Follow the Constantinian frieze and the story of the victory
  5. Read the dedicatory inscription

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the Arch of Constantine? The three archways, the roundels from the age of Hadrian, the large Marcus Aurelius panels, the 4th-century Constantinian frieze with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and the dedicatory inscription.

What are the Hadrianic roundels? Eight circular medallions from the 2nd century (the age of Hadrian) showing hunting and sacrifice scenes, reused here and among the most elegant reliefs on the arch.

What is the Constantinian frieze? The purpose-made 4th-century frieze that recounts Constantine's campaign through to his victory at the Milvian Bridge and his entry into Rome.

What does "instinctu divinitatis" mean? "By the inspiration of the divinity": a deliberately ambiguous phrase from the inscription, a symbol of this era of transition between paganism and Christianity.

Can you see everything from the ground? Yes, the reliefs are clearly visible from outside; binoculars or your camera's zoom help you appreciate the finer details higher up.

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Article #526 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026