Triumphal Arch of Orange

The Triumphal Arch of Orange, located in southeast France, is an exemplary Roman monument celebrated for its historical and architectural significance. Constructed initially during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE), it served to honor veterans of the Gallic Wars and members of Legio II Augusta. This arch is notably one of the oldest surviving examples of a Roman triumphal arch, predating those found in Rome, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus. Emperor Tiberius later reconstructed the arch (c. 20–27 CE) to commemorate Germanicus' victories over Germanic tribes, as evidenced by the inscriptions and elaborate military-themed reliefs that adorn the structure. The arch’s integration into the town’s medieval fortifications further attests to its continued significance over centuries. Recognized for its exceptional preservation, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.