View Page: The Manifest Glory of Rome: The Roman Triumph

	The Manifest Glory of Rome: The Roman Triumph
	written by daw84 / 09.04.2005

Section Four

4 of 7

Patron

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Fig. 14

Inscription of the Attic of the Arch of Titus

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Fig. 15

The Triumphal Chariot

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Fig. 16

Temple of Jupiter Ruins

Domitian was one of the worst emperors the Roman Empire ever had, but to win popularity with the people, he constructed the arch as a way of solidifying his rule of the empire. Titus, whose sudden, early death brought shock to all of Rome, provided Domitian with an opportunity to ride his brother’s popularity as ruler and exploit it to secure his position. The previously discussed location and form of this arch emphasize this use. Furthermore, the arch was built with the intent of forming a lasting memory of Titus, an idea which was extremely valuable to the Romans and can be seen in the grand scale and lasting quality of their buildings.

Above all else, the triumph itself was a religious event. The triumphators painted their faces red to symbolize their intimate contact with the Roman god Jupiter, whose temple was the ultimate destination of the procession. They were so close to the god that they were seen as mediators between the god and the people. For this reason, they had the honor of sacrificing two huge white bulls at the Temple of Jupiter as propitiation for the crimes of war which the army had committed. Since the triumphator was in such close proximity to this powerful god, and an event as impressive as the triumph could instill pride on the one who was the focus of the parade, a slave was in the chariot with the ruler whispering, “Remember you are mortal.”

Most importantly, the triumph encapsulates the continual efforts of the Roman Emperors to present to the people an empire in which everything is under control. The procession was carried out in a grand, elaborate fashion in order to convey this idea and build the central ethos of Roman pride. Ironically, underlying this incredible display of grandeur was the insecurity of the rulers, each knowing deep down that what the slave accompanying them in the cart said was true. They were mortal and their glory was fleeting.

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