Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s North East

The Arco de Augusto, Arch of Augustus, the oldest Roman arch still surviving. The arch was erected in 27 BCE by order of the Senate to honour Caesar Augustus, as shown by the inscription above the archway. It marked the entrance into Rimini for travellers on the Flaminian Way, that was built in 220 BCE by Consul Flaminius to link Rimini and Rome. It was part of the earliest ring of defensive walls; remains of this, made in local stone, can be seen on the sides of the arch, now isolated, following the demolition of the walls and buildings around it in the 1930s. Originally an attic storey would have been on the arch, probably supporting a statue of the emperor on horseback or chariot. The gods seen in the round elements are Jupiter and Apollo on the external side, celebrating the grandeur of Rome and the power of Augustus.