Monuments, the Later Empire, Constantine

big idea

Monumental columns and triumphal arches are examples of commemorative architecture.

1. Period and Location: Monuments, the Later Empire, Constantine

The monumental architecture covered in this lesson is from the years 81 AD to 313 AD. This is essentially from the first century to the fourth century AD. With the exception of one structure in Trier, Germany, the monumental architecture in this lesson is situated in Rome.

The timeline below highlights the period covered in this lesson.

2. Trajan’s Column

Monuments, or monumental architecture, was important because columns and triumphal arches were created to celebrate individuals and their accomplishments. Triumphal arches, in particular, were created to celebrate military accomplishments.

Trajan’s Column, built in 113 AD, was created to commemorate the Roman emperor Trajan’s conquest of the Dacians, a civilization based in modern-day Romania. In fact, the spiral frieze that encircles the column depicts the story of that conquest. This frieze culminates at the very top of the column, which was originally capped with a bronze statue of Trajan. This statue was later replaced with the current statue of St. Peter.

did you know

Trajan himself is actually buried underneath the column, which is in Rome, Italy.

EXAMPLE

One of the best examples of a commemorative monumental column is Trajan’s Column. Here’s what it looks like today:

terms to know

Monument

A statue, building, or other structure that commemorates an important event or person

Triumphal Arch

A type of monument, originating in ancient Rome, that consists of an arch built to commemorate a military victory

3. Arch of Titus

The earliest surviving triumphal arch is the Arch of Titus from around 90 AD. This arch celebrated his conquest of Palestine, which is modern-day Israel and the surrounding areas.

hint

The borders defining Palestine are different now than they were in ancient Rome, which can be confusing.

The Arch of Titus is constructed of a concrete core with a marble exterior. The central, rounded arch is flanked by two rectangular supports, which include the first examples of what’s called the composite order. This is essentially a combination of the Corinthian column with the iconic, scroll-shaped capital. The sacking of the temple in Jerusalem is shown on the sculptural relief. The attic, which is that larger section on top, can also be seen. The only thing shown here is the inscription commemorating Titus’ accomplishment.

EXAMPLE

Below is an image of the Arch of Titus.

Underneath the arch, in the passageway, there are two relief sculptures. One side depicts the sack of Jerusalem and shows Roman soldiers carrying off spoilia from the Temple of Jerusalem, in this case, a menorah. On the other side is a sculpture of Titus' triumphal parade after the conquest of Judea, which includes a number of allegorical figures

term to know

Spolia

Sculptural elements taken from the buildings of a place that has been conquered and often incorporated into triumphal arches.

4. Arch of Constantine and Monumental Image of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is an arch that commemorates Constantine’s rise as sole emperor after the defeat of a political rival, Maxentius. This defeat took place at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.

Here is an image is of the triumphal arch of the Emperor Constantine, the Arch of Constantine:

The above arch is notable for several things, including:

• High degree of ornamentation
• Use of three rounded arches compared to Titus’ triumphal arch
• Freestanding columns as opposed to the ornamental columns on Titus’ triumphal arch

did you know

There is essentially a potpourri of artistic elements scattered throughout the arch with apparent disregard for the canon of proportions in some of the relief sculptures. For these reasons, this arch is often cited as an example of the decline of form in ancient Greece.

This partial image of Constantine might also be called monumental:

Originally, his head would have been attached to a body. The classical ideals we see in early Roman examples are largely missing. In fact, based on a quick glance, it almost seems to recall elements we saw in archaic art of the Etruscans and Greeks, especially with the geometric-shaped eyes. It has been noted by some scholars for its seemingly aloof appearance. Some believe that this might depict a sense of emotional disconnectedness from his subjects.

term to know

Spolia

Sculptural elements taken from the buildings of a place that has been conquered and often incorporated into triumphal arches

5. Basilica at Trier

A basilica was originally a columned meeting hall in ancient Rome that later became associated with a Christian building with a large central nave or hall. The Basilica at Trier, originally called the Aula Palatina, began life as an imperial reception hall for the emperor Constantine when he was visiting the imperial city of Trier in modern-day Germany.

It is now notable for its design, as it boasts a large, illuminated rectangular hall called the nave. It is also known for its use of brick as a building material, which is different than what we’ve seen so far.

did you know

This particular building is regarded as a model for buildings constructed during what came to be referred to as the Romanesque period some centuries later.

EXAMPLE

Below is an image of the Basilica at Trier.

term to know

Basilica

A columned meeting hall in ancient Rome, later a church with columns