Arch of Septimius Severus

View looking northwest at the Arch of Septimius Severus that is located on the west end of the Roman Forum.  This triple gate monumental arch was erected in 203 A.D. to commemorate the victories of the emperor Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta in their wars against the Parthians.  The long Latin inscription on its top states that it was dedicated to Septimius Severus by the Roman Senate.

The reliefs of the campaigns are quite worn away because of the elements.  Originally it was topped by a chariot that was drawn by four horses (quadringa) that carried the emperor and his sons.