The Arch of Titus Propaganda

In ancient Rome, much pride was taken in the way that Rome was presented to other nations. Rome was seen as a powerful nation, protected and favored by the gods, ruled over by wise and divine leaders. Ancient architecture served as propaganda to build and maintain this image of the Roman Empire.

The Arch of Titus conveys to the viewer that the Romans are favored and supported by the gods. Many deities can be seen on this sculpture aiding Roman leaders, and behaving as equals to the Roman emperor Titus. Winged women, symbolizing victory fly in the spandrels, representing that the divine victory is belonging to Rome. On the north panel, divinities are again present with the personification of valor, “virtus”, leading a chariot holding Titus and another winged victory. Placing Titus and an equal standing with these divinities is a clear piece of propaganda, naming Roman leaders to be at an equal standing with the gods. On the roof of the interior of the arch is a depiction of Titus on the back of an eagle flying amongst rosettes, meant to symbolize stars. The eagle is a symbol of Jupiter, so to present Titus riding on its back ascending to heaven makes him look deified to the viewer. By giving Roman leaders the status of gods, the sculptor gives a clear impression that Rome is the dwelling place of the gods. This also marks Rome as favored, protected, and equal with the gods.

The Arch of Titus is also used as propaganda to present Rome as powerful and victorious. A relief sculpture on the south panel shows the Roman soldiers marching through an archway, displaying the menorah, trumpets of Israel and Jericho, the table of shrew bread and other spoils of Rome’s conquest of Israel. The arch is ‘porta triumphalis’, symbolizing Rome’s victory and purification when walking through it. This arch is three-dimensional with the corner protruding out to make it stand out to the viewer. To further portray Rome as victorious, the weight of the spoils has been greatly