Rome's Ancient Arch of Constantine Damaged by Lightning Strike

Sponsored Ad

Rome, September 4, 2024 — A severe thunderstorm that hit the Italian capital on Tuesday night has caused damage to the historic Arch of Constantine, one of Rome’s most famous ancient monuments. Struck by lightning, the nearly 1,700-year-old structure, located near the Colosseum, lost several pieces of marble, which were seen scattered on the ground following the storm.

The Arch of Constantine, which stands at around 20 meters (70 feet) tall, was erected in 315 A.D. to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The marble fragments loosened by the storm have been recovered by workers from the Colosseum Archaeological Park, who responded swiftly to assess the damage.

In a statement, the park's officials confirmed that technicians arrived immediately after the strike to collect and secure the fallen pieces. The workers were lifted by crane to inspect the upper parts of the arch and determine the full extent of the damage.

In addition to affecting this ancient landmark, the storm wreaked havoc across the city, bringing down trees and flooding several streets. The city's emergency services were kept busy dealing with the aftermath.

Despite the damage, the Arch of Constantine remains a symbol of Rome’s resilience, standing for centuries as a testament to its rich history. Restoration efforts are expected to begin soon.