And so it didn't get dismantled, and it wasn't turned into chalk, and it wasn't made into cement. Now we know why it's preserved so well, because it was of interest to Christians over a very long period. When you add to that for the bas reliefs, the imagery of the temple spoils of Titus and his chariot of Titus on the back of an eagle going into the heavens, and the state of preservation, it's really very impressive. We don't have that many that are preserved from antiquity. And this very simple, single arch at its center with a high attic with an inscription.

We have lots of Roman triumphal arches, but there are very few with this very, very clean set of lines. Now from a strictly sort of formal standpoint, it's important because of its sleekness. No one cared much what Jews thought, but for Christians and for Romans, gave it that status. And so it's significance as an important cultural marker for Christians, not so much for Jews. It has all those things you'd want if you were a good 18th or 19th century modernist forming your modern cultural ethos. For an artifact like this one that deals with empire, which means it deals with nationalism, which means it deals with power and military and deals with the emperors, it has everything good. If an artifact's had larger meaning than it's own period, we tend to like that. I mean, if it were the, and particularly if it has human images, we tend to like human images. But how would an artist or an art historian look at this archaeological object? > Well, the reason it's part of art history is because art historians put it in the textbook that create this canon, this measured in of what's important and what's not, right? First of all, any time you have an ancient artifact that big, it's worthy of paying attention to. So, the Arch is this archaeological, important artifact in the center of Rome, but how is it part of art history? It represents the emperors, Titus and his state of Rome at the time and the subjugation of Jews can be interpreted. You will learn how color was used in Roman antiquity and apply that knowledge to complete your own 'color restoration' of the Arch of Titus menorah relief. Students will participate in the latest advancement in the study of the Arch - the restoration of its original colors. You will attend an academic colloquium and even 'participate' in office hours. Course members will accompany Professor Fine on virtual 'fieldtrips' to museums and historical sites in Los Angeles and New York where you will 'meet' curators, scholars and artists.

Together with your guide, Professor Steven Fine, you will examine ancient texts and artifacts, gaining skills as a historian as you explore the continuing significance of the Arch of Titus from antiquity to the very present. The Arch of Titus commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem by the emperor Titus in 70 CE, an event of pivotal importance for the history of the Roman Empire, of Judaism, of Christianity and of modern nationalism. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah explores one of the most significant Roman monuments to survive from antiquity, from the perspectives of Roman, Jewish and later Christian history and art.

Arch of titus significance