When the Roman Empire reached its peak in 117 CE, it covered an astonishing area of 1.9 million sq. miles (five million sq. km). Much of this was built on conquest, and the empire’s leaders knew the importance of celebrating victory. But how do you make sure people remember your triumphs long after the parade ends? The answer: build something permanent.
So leaders built the triumphal arch, a monumental structure designed not just to mark military success, but to glorify the ruler behind it. These grand arches weren’t just stone and inscriptions, either; they were powerful statements of authority that blended architecture, propaganda, and artistry. But how did they originate? And how did they continue influencing architecture long after the fall of Rome? Click through this gallery to find out.