Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine is the largest and best preserved of the three surviving arches in Rome. It is 21 meters high, nearly 26 meters long and 7.40 meters wide, and consists of a central and larger fornix, two lateral and smaller ones, and an attic. Some of the marble used to build it and many decorative elements come from older monuments. On the attic is an inscription that states:

"To the Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantine Maximus, Pius, Felix, Augustus, the Senate and the Roman People, since by inspiration of divinity and by the greatness of his spirit with his army he avenged at once the state on a tyrant and on his whole faction with just arms, dedicate this distinguished arch for triumphs."

The phrase "by inspiration of divinity" almost certainly refers to Constantine's conversion to Christianity, which took place just before the Battle of Ponte Milvio, when a cross appeared to the emperor in the sky, accompanied by the inscription ἐν τούτῳ νίκα ("in (under) this sign you will win"). However, at the time the arch was made, Constantine had not yet publicly declared his new faith.

Near the Arch of Constantine are the remains of a monumental fountain from the Flavian period called Meta Sudans.

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