Athena Review Image Archive ™
Orange: The Roman Arch
The Triumphal Arch at Orange (photo: Athena Review)
Orange
(Roman Aurasio), located at the confluence of the Rhône and Aygues
Rivers, was founded in 35 BC by soldiers from Caesar's Second Gallic
Legion. The famous triumphal arch was placed along the main street or
cardo during the reign of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). It commemorates the
town's beginnings as a colonia, or settlement for veterans of the
Gallic wars.
The arch is inscribed with the original Latin name
of Orange (Colonia Firma Julia Secundanorum Arausio), and also has a
later (AD 27) inscription to the emperor Tiberius. On both sides of the
arch flanking the main gate are various reliefs of military themes,
including legionary shields and trophy standards.
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