We are indebted to this inconsiderable little monument--stated in the
inscription to have been raised by the silversmiths and cattle-dealers
to the imperial family of Septimius Severus--for the important
information that the Forum Boarium, mentioned in the legends of the
foundation of Rome, was situated on this spot. The sculptures with
which the arch is ornamented are much defaced, and hidden from view on
one side by the Church of S. Giorgio. Those in the interior represent
sacrifices offered by the emperor and his sons. On one of the side
piers is the figure of Hercules, evidently having reference to this
locality, which was consecrated to him, and in the neighbourhood of
which he had actually erected the Ara Maxima. At the back is a
representation of a ploughman with a yoke of oxen, also in allusion
to the myths, the different threads of which all unite at this point.
On the inside _right_ are the effigies of Septimius and his wife
Julia; and opposite them were Caracalla and Geta, but the latter has
been cut out, leaving only his brother. On the pilasters, the capitals
of which are Roman, we discover among various field-badges the
portraits of the emperor, his wife, and one of his sons; that of Geta
having been obliterated after his murder, by the order of Caracalla.
It is rather a misnomer to call this an arch, as it has a flat top.
_Adjoining is the_