Arch of Drusus, Ancient triumphal arch on Via Appia, Rome, Italy.
The Arch of Drusus sits at the beginning of the ancient Via Appia and features columns of Numidian marble with white marble bases on both sides of the passage. The blend of different stone types shows the careful craftsmanship of Roman builders.
The Senate originally ordered the arch built to honor Nero Claudius Drusus following his death in 9 BCE. The structure visible today was rebuilt during a later period.
The arch served as a statement of Rome's power and authority within the capital city. Walking past it today, you can sense how the structure marked an important passage along one of the empire's major roads.
The archaeological site sits near Porta San Sebastiano and is open year-round for visitors. You can explore the arch on foot while walking the ancient Appian Way and discovering the surrounding area.
The arch later supported the Aqua Antoniniana aqueduct that carried water from a separate source. This system supplied water to the Baths of Caracalla, giving the monument a second life as infrastructure.
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