Arch of Septimus Severus Arco di Settimio Severo

It was a regular practice for the Senate and people of Rome to set up triumphal arches in honor of victorious Emperors and generals, and in A.D. 203 this arch, opposite the church of Santi Martina e Luca, was erected in honor of Septimus Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta after their victories over the Parthians and various desert tribes. On the arch, 23m/75ft high and 25m/80ft wide, are four marble reliefs with vigorous representations of episodes from these wars, the figures standing out prominently from the background.

Goddesses of victory with trophies and a large inscription proclaim the glory of the Emperor and his sons (though the name of Geta was later erased). Other features of the arch are: The base of a column commemorating the 10th anniversary of Diocletian's accession. The remains of the Rostra, the ancient orators' platform, which was originally decorated with the prows (rostra) of captured enemy ships.

The position of the Umbilicus Urbis, the "navel" or symbolic center of Rome.