Alliance Arch

The Arch of Augustus, located in Susa, was constructed in 9-8 BC. This monument was a symbol of a power-sharing deal between Emperor Augustus and Marcus Julius Cottius, a Ligurian ruler. The arch was constructed to commemorate the renewal of their alliance, a testament to diplomacy in a time of conflict. The arch, adorned with intricate designs and dedicated inscriptions, has stood the test of time, providing a glimpse into ancient politics and the friendship between two powerful figures.

The arch, using white marble sourced from local quarries nearby Foresto and Tre Piloni, has a unique arcade with an archivolt supported by pilasters. The entablature rests on four Corinthian columns placed carefully at the corners. The lowest architrave consists of three bands, the thickest of which is the lowest band. Above the architrave is a frieze, a bass relief that encircles all four sides of the arch. The cornice has twenty-two corbels on each face and twelve on each side of the arch, each decorated with roses. The attic displays an inscription on both faces, likely originally decorated with bronze letters.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons