2020-03-05 Thu

The Arch of Emperor Septimius Severus was built to commemorate his victory over Parthians in 203 CE with his sons Caracalla and Geta.

This arch stands tall at the northwest end of the Roman forum made from white marble. The above-shown silver denarius of Roman emperor Septimius Severus illustrates this Triumphal Arch with four columns surmounted by a chariot of six horses with horsemen on either side on the reverse flan. This arch again appeared on the denarii of 206 CE in the name of Severus to celebrate his 15th coronation anniversary.

The quadriga above this arch was topped by Severus and his sons, it also consists inscription of all three. Later on, Caracalla removed Geta’s name from the inscription after assassinating him. This arch survived the tide of time because a Christian church incorporated it into its building and remained the owner of this arch. Thus the arch was not demolished for building material and today it’s the best-preserved Roman monument to date.

The coin which depicts the Roman monuments are the most favored and sought out coin by collectors and historians. They give a valuable perspective to reconstruct the appearance of the buildings which no longer exist.

Image Courtesy: AmericanNumismatic.Org