Triumphal Arches of the World

Triumphal arches are structures that will boast of at least one arched passageway. Most of these were built in honor of an important person. In other cases, they were built in order to commemorate an event that is deemed significant. There is no proof that it was the Romans who began the tradition of building such arches; but truth of the matter is that once the arches became popular, they stuck around as a tradition for quite a bit.

Triumphal Arch of Orange:

This triumphal arch was built when Augustus was in power. This was built in honor of the Gallic war veterans. Tiberius later reconstructed it to celebrate his victory over the German tribes. The arch is said to contain an inscription that is said to be dedicated to Tiberius and this inscription was made in 27 AD.

Gateway of India:

This structure was built to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to the then Bombay and now Mumbai. Construction of this arch was begun in the year 1911. The decorative elements used on this arch were both Hindu and Muslim in nature. The arch was created in a Muslim manner, while the decorations were done in Hindu style. The last of the British troops to leave Indian shores did so by leaving from the Gateway in a ceremony that was conducted on the 28th February, 1948.

Patuxai:

This is a war monument that was constructed in Vientiane, Laos. It was dedicated to all those people who fought the struggle for independence. Laos was being ruled by the French. The Patuxai was built between the years 1957 and 1968. The monument is said to have about 5 towers that are meant to represent the 5 principles that are said to regulate coexistence among the various countries of the world. They are also meant to represent the 5 principles of Buddhism – flexibility, honesty, thoughtful amiability, prosperity and honor.

Arch of Titus:

The Arch of Titus which is located in Rome was said to have been constructed in 82 AD. It was built by Domitian, the Roman Emperor; and this was in the period that followed the death of Titus, Domitian’s older brother. Titus had, however, gained victory when it came to the Sack of Jerusalem. This was an arch to commemorate his victory. This arch has been the yardstick for many arches that were built much later in the 16th century.

Timgad Arch:

The Roman town of Timgad, which was located in Northern Africa, was said to have been founded by the Emperor Trajan. It was built around 100 AD. There is a triumphal arch called the Trajan’s Arch which is located on the western end of the town.  Sandstone was the chief material that was used in the building of this arch.  The columns were created using limestone and the smaller columns were built out of marble.

Arch of Constantine:

This one is situated right next to the Colosseum. This arch was constructed in the year 315 AD, and was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius. This battle was known to mark the beginning of what was going to be Constantine’s famous conversion to Christianity.  The triumphal arch of Constantine does have attributes that could like Constantine’s affiliation to divine intervention; but it does lack any overt symbolism of Christianity.

Arc de Triomphe:

This is the iconic structure that forms for the main focus of the east-west road axis of Paris. This monument was said to have been commissioned by Napoleon in the year 1806. This commissioning followed his recent victory in Austerlitz.  The construction of the arch was completed in 1836; and this was way after his death.