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Secondary sourceArtifact114-117 AD

Arch of Trajan at Benevento

114-117 AD

A triumphal arch in Benevento, Italy, decorated with relief panels celebrating Trajan's civil and military achievements.

This arch commemorates Trajan's civil and military policies, celebrating his reign after his death.

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Front view of the Arch of Trajan in Benevento, a white marble Roman triumphal arch with carved relief panels and a long inscription on the attic, under a clear blue sky. Tourists stand on the paved square at left, and a tour bus and a small rounded shrub are visible on the right.
Arch of Trajan, Benevento, Italy, 114-117 AD.

About this source

What it is

The Arch of Trajan stands in Benevento, Italy, built between 114 and 117 AD. Its carved relief panels present scenes from Trajan's rule, and a long inscription runs across its attic.

Why it matters

The arch's imagery covers both Trajan's military campaigns and his civil programs, including the alimenta (a welfare system for children) and the opening of the Via Traiana road. Together, these scenes present a complete picture of how Trajan wanted his rule to be remembered: as both a conqueror and a provider for his people.

Look closer

  • Why might an emperor want to be remembered for welfare programs as well as military victories?
  • What do the choices of scenes on the arch tell us about what mattered to Roman authorities?
  • What is missing from this celebratory monument?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Trajan on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Apollodorus of Damascus · c. 100-113 AD

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Panegyricus

Pliny the Younger · c. 100 AD

Marble head sculpture of a man with short, combed, curled hair over the forehead, a stern brow, a straight nose, and a slight closed-mouth expression. The head rests on a plain base against a brick-colored wall.Sculpture

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Secondary source

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Cassius Dio · early 3rd century AD

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