22/03/2026
The Arch of Septimius Severus in Leptis Magna, a 4 sided arched Tetrapylon, was constructed from 203-206 AD. The Arch was to celebrate the arrival of the Emperor who was born in Leptis Magna. A Tetrapylon was extremely important as is sat on the Junction of the most important roads: The Cardo ran North-South and the Decumanus Maximus ran South-East. This monument was built to coincide with his arrival and to also highlight the stability, military power, urban development and revitalisation under the Severans.
The reason it was constructed so quickly was that it was an old architectural trick, build the core with a softer stone such as sandstone or limestone and that use thin marble facing panels. This was done with columns, floors and walls etc. Giaconda Guiding discovered itvin 1928 and it was in horrific condition.
Most of the pieces were lying just beneath the surface in the near vicinity and the base and foundation stones were visible just above ground level. From then and a painstaking process began to locate, number, organise and reassemble this masterpiece akin to building a Leggo model with your children.
The identifying and assembling of pieces was the most difficult part of the enterprise. When it was finally completed, we were left with an aesthetic celebration and an overwhelming piece of architectural propaganda that demonstrates the far-reaching might of the Severan Dynasty and the Roman Empire. The city is now Libya part of the North Africa State of Tripoli.
Photos: Public Domain.
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