Arch of Titus Menorah

Arch of Titus Menorah

A view of the image of one of the seven–branched candlesticks (menorah) from the Jerusalem Temple.  Note the figures on its base!  This is one of the earliest representations of a menorah in existence!

Also visible is a rectangular placard on a pole.  This was probably painted with an inscription naming either cities or peoples conquered.

This booty was deposited in Vespasian’s “Temple of Peace!”


The Arch of Titus (Roman Emperor A.D. 79–81) is located in Rome on the east end of the ancient Forum, as one walks along the Via Sacra toward the Colosseum.  The emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96) built it soon after the death of Titus.

The arch commemorates the victories of Vespasian (A.D. 69–79) and Titus—particularly their putting down the Jewish revolt in Judea and the capture of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

It is well to remember that this commemorative arch was built by Domitian, to commemorate a triumphal parade of the previous emperor Vespasian and his son Titus who was the actual conquer of Jerusalem, and who would eventually become emperor himself.

The sequence of emperors was Vespasian, Titus, and then Domitian.