The Arch of Constantine
Rome, Italy
Built about AD 312-15

Model, 1815-20
Plaster and wood
Museum no. CIRC.215-1916

The Romans were the first to fully exploit the use of arches. This enabled them to span large spaces and literally to open up buildings. Architects tended to use the Greek orders as decoration only. The Corinthian columns on the front of this famous arch do nothing to hold it up.