Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome erected in the early 4th century AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. It stands on the Via Triumphalis between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill and is one of the best-preserved large Roman arches.

The monument incorporates original Constantine-period sculptures alongside many ‘spolia’ reliefs and panels taken from earlier imperial monuments belonging to Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. These reused elements were combined with contemporary reliefs and inscriptions celebrating Constantine’s victory.

Erected and dedicated around 312-315 AD, the arch has three gateways and a decorative program that mixes older imperial art with Constantinian additions, reflecting both continuity and political messaging in late Roman public monuments. Over the centuries it remained a prominent landmark and has been conserved within the modern city fabric of Rome.

It is located adjacent to major ancient monuments in the Roman Forum area, making it highly accessible to visitors exploring Rome’s central archaeological core.

• Date and purpose: Dedicated to Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge and commonly dated to around 312-315 AD; its reliefs include recycled sculptures from earlier emperors.
• Location: Height is approximately 21 metres, and it sits between the **Colosseum** and the **Palatine Hill**, forming part of Rome's ancient ceremonial route.