CHAP. XVII. The triumphant arch of Constantine the emperour.
THese triumphant arches were erected for them onely, who having subdued whole provinces or conquered forraine nations, and obtained brave and fortunate victories, seemed worthie of tri∣umph, and thereupon they were called Triumphant arches. Vpon these arches for the perpetu∣all and everlasting memoriall of acts atchieved, were cut and engraven the portraitures of the very places where the warre was performed; the resemblances of fabrickes and raunged battels, if the ser∣vice was on land; and of ships, if it were at sea. Howbeit, untill the time of the emperors, no man raised any arches, and in Plinies daies they began first to be built: so as, that of Titus is of all others most aunci∣ent. For before their age, only statues and trophees were set up. But in processe of time following, ma∣ny of these arches were raised: among which, that of Constantine is to be seen above the rest, at the cor∣ner of the mount Palatine, neere the Theatre, beautified with triumphall ornaments, and remaineth at this day in a manner sound and whole without any hurt. This arch Constantine erected for himselfe, upon the victorie which he obtained over Maxentius at the bridge Milvius.