10: The Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus - This monument celebrates processional triumph given to Titus following his successful campaign in Judaea.  Titus commanded the Roman army during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70. This was the culmination of a four-year campaign in Judaea which had been triggered by the Jewish uprising in the year 66. The end of the campaign came with the sacking of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple of which little now remains but a short section of wall – known today as The Western Wall. It has been estimated that over a million people were killed during the siege, of which a majority were Jewish and nearly 100,000 were captured and enslaved.  Despite the human carnage, Titus was awarded a triumph on his return to Rome in the year 71. Accompanied by both Vespasian and Domitian, he rode into the city and was enthusiastically greeted by the Roman populace as they cheered the lavish parade that openly flaunted the treasures and captives from the war.  The Arch memorializes both the victory and, specifically, the triumphal procession when Titus was honored by all of Rome.