This, which is one of the most beautiful of the Roman arches, and a view
of which is given in the cut on the next page, was erected to
commemorate the conquest of Jerusalem by Titus. It stands at the eastern
end of the Forum, and the _via sacra_ passes beneath it. It is built of
Grecian marble, and has only a single arch, with fluted columns on each
side. On the side toward the Forum there is a mutilated figure of
Victory standing over the arch. The side toward the Coliseum is the most
perfect; and nearly all the cornice and the antæ are preserved. This
arch has a peculiar interest attached to it, because it illustrates
Scripture history. On one of the bass-reliefs, inside of the arch, a
procession are bearing the spoils of the temple—the golden candlestick
and the silver trumpets—the only authentic representations of those
sacred objects, and perfectly corresponding with the description given
by Josephus. The seven-branched candlestick itself was lost in the
Tiber, and now reposes amidst its yellow sands.
[Illustration: THE ARCH OF TITUS.]