The Arch of Trajan at Benevento (Italy) was set up in AD 114 outside of Beneventum to commemorate the of the new Via Traiana between Rome and Brundisium.
Each side of the arch carries relief panels that depict different aspects of the emperor's care for his people and the Empire.
Each side of the arch carries relief panels that depict different aspects of the emperor's care for his people and the Empire.
Relief panel from the Arch of Trajan commemorating the alimenta, the institution of public funds for the support of poor children in the Italian towns.
Relief panel from the Arch of Trajan depicting the emperor raising up Dacia, the newly conquered province. Behind, colonists cross Trajan's famous Danube bridge into the new province. Two local river-gods in the lower corners frame the scene.
This panel is also thought to be a reference to the conquest of Mesopotamia with the two male figures in the lower corners representing the Euphrates & Tigris rivers. It was carved in the early years of Hadrian's reign who appears standing in the background, second from the left.
On another panel, Trajan is accompanied by Hadrian and followed by lictors in the act of being received by Rome together with two consuls and penates.
Relief in the vault of the arch depicting Trajan being crowned by a winged figure personifying Victory.
Relief under the barrel vault of the Arch of Trajan depicting the emperor presiding over a sacrifice at the inauguration of the Via Traiana at Beneventum.
