Arcus Argentariorum, Lazio Travel Guide

The Arcus Argentariorum, also known as the Arch of the Money Changers, stands as a testament to the wealth and influence of Rome's commercial class during the Severan dynasty. Constructed in 204 AD, it was commissioned not by the state, but by the 'argentarii' (money changers) and 'negotiantes' (merchants) of the Forum Boarium to honor Emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia Domna, and their sons Caracalla and Geta.Unlike typical triumphal arches, the Arcus Argentariorum features a flat lintel supported by two piers, giving it a more modest appearance. The arch is made of white marble, except for its base, which is constructed from travertine. The monument's surfaces are adorned with intricate reliefs and inscriptions. The dedicatory inscription on the architrave identifies the patrons and honorees, while interior panels depict sacrificial scenes featuring the imperial family.Notably, the arch bears witness to the 'damnatio memoriae' (condemnation of memory) of certain figures. After Caracalla seized sole power, he had the images and names of his brother Geta, his father-in-law Fulvius Plautianus, and his wife Fulvia Plautilla erased from the monument. These erasures offer a stark reminder of the political intrigues and family feuds that characterized Roman imperial life. Today, the Arcus Argentariorum is partially incorporated into the western wall of the Church of San Giorgio al Velabro.