The arch was built to formalize the submission of fourteen Alpine tribes to the Roman Empire.
It is one of the oldest surviving triumphal arches in the world, predating many of those found in the city of Rome.
The inscription on the attic contains a dedication to Augustus, though significant portions of the original text are eroded.
The base of the arch features detailed carvings of Roman soldiers and local inhabitants negotiating, representing the fusion of Roman and Alpine cultures.
Unlike later triumphal arches, this structure does not feature a typical triumphal attic with a statue, but instead has a simple, functional top section.
The Arco di Augusto in Susa, Italy, is a Roman triumphal arch dating back to 9-8 BC. It was erected to commemorate the peace treaty between the Roman Emperor Augustus and King Cottius, the leader of the local Alpine tribes. The arch stands at the eastern entrance of the ancient town of Segusio, the capital of the Cottian Kingdom. It is constructed from local white limestone and stands approximately 13 meters high. The arch features a single vaulted passage decorated with a bas-relief frieze depicting a sacrificial scene and military trophies. It serves as a rare example of a Roman triumphal arch constructed in an Alpine province rather than in Rome itself. The monument remains a landmark of the historical Via delle Gallie, the road connecting Italy to Gaul.
From the slightly elevated street level across from the main face to capture the arch framed by the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heat of the valley floor.
Combine your visit with a walk through Susa's medieval old town to see the nearby Roman arena ruins.
Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to better capture the limestone textures against the mountain backdrop.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the ancient carvings, as the limestone is prone to weathering and damage.
