Arch of Titus

One of Rome's most iconic triumphal arches, and the model for the Parisian Arc de Triomphe.

TravelCurious Tip

It is worth looking closely at the extraordinary detailed engravings under the arch: see if you can follow the story of Titus's victory in Jerusalem.

Triumph of Titus

The Arch of Titus was built by the Emperor Domitian in 81 AD in order to commemorate the victories of his late older brother, Titus. Titus had quashed a rebellion in Jerusalem and all but razed the city to the ground in 70 AD after the Jews had revolted against the rule of the Roman Empire. Naturally, they had to be taught a lesson in that respect. The Romans crushed the resistance, with disastrous results for the Jewish community.


In the bas-relief on the inside of the arch, Roman soldiers are depicted carrying heaps of treasure as well as the great Jewish menorah candlestick which they had stolen during their sack of the sacred Temple of Solomon. Unfortunately, this great menorah has been lost for centuries but the memory of its sad end is engraved forever on this imposing Roman monument.

A model arch

This single span triumphal arch has been the model for triumphal arches from the 16th century onwards: most notably the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, built in 1836, was modelled on the Arch of Titus. During the Middle Ages the Frangipane family, a powerful Roman patrician clan, fortified it and turned the arch into a defensive tower. In 1821 Pope Pius VII had it restored, removing the edifice of the tower and turning it once more into an arch.

The arch is at the summit of the Velian Hill on the ancient Roman main road, the Via Sacra, opposite the Colosseum. If you visit the Roman Forum today it is one of the first things you will see. The huge arch acts as a kind of visual doorway to the Forum, and to walk up the Via Sacra with the Arch of Titus ahead of you feels like walking into the past.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Rome
Colosseum
The Roman Empire’s largest amphitheatre, and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient monuments.
Roman Forum
The political, religious and civic heart of ancient Rome.
Arch of Constantine
The largest and most magnificent of Rome's triumphal arches, with a curious history in its sculpture.
Palatine Hill
This hill is where the Roman State began, and where Rome's Emperors used to live. Today it boasts many remains from their magnificent palaces.
Temple of Caesar
Remains of the temple of Julius Caesar.
Curia Julia
The seat of the imperial Senate in the Roman Forum.

Related Tours

Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Private Tour

On this private tour, you will time travel back 2,000 years to visit the Ancient Rome sites that were of significance to the Roman Empire including the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and the Palatine Hill, where the city of Rome was founded on.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Explore the Colosseum and learn of its architectural secrets, and of the gladiators who fought here;
  • Hear stories about some of the empire's greatest emperors, like Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar, and stories of its' cruellest emperors: Nero and Caligula;
  • Discover the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome and an open-air meeting site;
  • Take in the vast scale of the Imperial Palaces on Palatine Hill.

You will start your tour at the ancient Colosseum, which is an enduring symbol of the power, prowess and bloodlust of the Roman Empire. Although damaged over the years by earthquakes, pollution and stone robbers, it remains a truly spectacular structure.

The building hasn’t been used for entertainment since the early medieval era; in the following centuries, it was employed variously as a fortress, Christian shrine, and housing for a religious order.

Your next stop will be the Roman Forum where you will come across remnants of magnificent temples, law courts, palaces and marketplaces, while your guide shares the stories of what daily life in the heart of the Roman Empire was like.

Your tour will end at Palatine Hill – the birthplace of the Roman Senate, and where Rome’s Emperors lived and ruled from. The word ‘palace’ is derived from the name of this hill, as so many Roman rulers built their lavish residences on the Palatine.

Climb the hill today, and you will find extensive ruins of the once splendid palaces and gardens of some of Rome’s most famous emperors, including those of Augustus, Tiberius and the Flavian Palace, as well as the Temple to Apollo built by Augustus, and Domitian’s impressive Hippodrome.

Please note that the order of this tour may change based on ticket availability.

Colosseum & Roman Forum: Family-Friendly Private Half-Day Tour

Immerse yourself into Ancient Rome and travel back to the time of Roman gladiators by exploring the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater and the Roman Forum, the scenario for public meetings, gatherings and shops, on this family-friendly half-day tour especially designed for young children and teens in mind.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Bring Ancient Rome to life on this child and family-friendly tour with your private guide;
  • Learn of the famed Gladiators and their courageous fights at the Colosseum;
  • Hear the stories of the first games ever held in the times of Emperor Titus;
  • Find out how many spectators the amphitheatre could accommodate and who could be invited;
  • Have a sweet treat on us and a short break to enjoy some gelato;
  • Explore the Roman Forum considered the heart of Ancient Rome and the first open-air public meeting place;
  • Discover what religious ceremonies and festivals were held there;
  • Walk past the remains of numerous important buildings, built to honour men and roman gods.


If any site in Rome will entertain your children, the Colosseum will! A symbol of Rome and of the Ancient Roman Empire, this building has been entertaining people for millennia! This is where the Emperor and the Roman people would come to watch the "games" ranging from gladiator fights to processions of exotic animals.

After visiting the Colosseum (time-entrance tickets included), you will see the Arch of Constantine, built to commemorate Emperor Constantine the Great's victory over Maxentius in 312 AD. Your guide will regale you with tales of the Emperor and his army triumphantly marching into Rome!

You will then head into the Roman Forum and walk on the Via Sacra (or "sacred way"), the main street of Ancient Rome. This was the "downtown" area of the city where Senators and people alike came to meet and trade, hear public speeches, vote in elections, trial criminals, host religious ceremonies... and more! You will even see the ruins of the Temple of Julius Caesar and his altar, where people still lay flowers today in commemoration of the famed Roman General!

Depending on the day and your preference, you will enjoy a quick stop for a delicious Italian Gelato either halfway through the tour for a sweet treat break or at the end of the tour.

This shorter tour is ideal for families with young children and does not include a visit to Palatine Hill. 


Please note: The order of this tour may change based on ticket availability
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