Arch of Titus, Rome, Italy

Jun 7

“And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Luke 21:5-6

The triumphal Arch of Titus was commissioned by Domitian in 81 AD to honor his father (Vespasian) and brother (Titus) for their sacking and total destruction of the city of Jerusalem in AD 70. Vespasian, Titus and the Roman army fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus that Jerusalem and the temple would be utterly destroyed and the temple would have not one stone standing upon another. Excavations of the second temple era street along the base of Temple Mount found cracked pavement from huge stones that were thrown over the side of the mount when the temple and other structures were destroyed. Some of these massive stones are still lying there today.

The Arch of Titus is at the entrance to the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. The inscription on the arch says “The Senate and People of Rome, to Divus Titus, son of Divas Vespasian, Vespasian August”. One of the marble reliefs inside the arch depicts Titus’s triumphal procession in Rome carrying the treasures of the Jewish Temple including a menorah, trumpets, and shewbread tables. Analysis of this relief has shown that it was vividly colorful. The menorah depicted here is the source of the menorah image used as the symbol of the State of Israel in 1949.

We had visited Temple Mount and the archeological park around Temple Mount for the first time a year or so prior to seeing the Arch of Titus in Rome. Having not heard or read about the arch prior to seeing it, it was emotionally jarring to see this devastating and tragic event celebrated. Two completely opposing perspectives coming together.

Temple Mount, with Dome of the Rock where the Jewish Temple stood when Jesus foretold its destruction.

Stones from the destruction of structures on the Temple Mount in 70 AD. On the second temple era road along the SW corner of Temple Mount

81 AD Arch of Titus just outside the Forum, Rome Italy

Inscription over the arch dedicating it to Vespasian and his sone Titus. The arch was in honor o their victory in the Jewish War and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

Marble relief inside the arch depicting Titus and the Roman army carrying the temple treasures into Rome: menorah, trumpets and shewbread tables. The relief was vividly colorful originally.