At one end of the Roman Forum stands one of the most famous arches in Rome: the Arch of Septimius Severus, right at the base of the Capitol Hill. This imposing arch with three arches, one central and two lateral, was built in 203 with the intention of honoring the military victories of the Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta. The arch is made of marble and the entire façade is decorated with bas-reliefs and columns.
Just below the attic of each of the three arcades is an engraved legend, a dedication. At the time of its construction, the letters were engraved in holes, in turn filled with each of the letters made in bronze, but they have disappeared a long time ago. On the top of the arch there was a chariot, a chariot drawn by four horses, which carried the emperor and his two sons, also made in bronze but it is no longer there, although this top can still be climbed by means of a ladder.
The Arch of Septimius Severus predates the Arch of Contantino and must have served as a model or inspiration. It is worth saying that the brothers did not get along very well since Caracalla murdered Geta and had his brother's name erased from the bow.