The Arch was said to mark the change from Classical art to that of the medieval period. The reuse of earlier, classicizing sculpture juxtaposed with later, stylised sculptural decorations dating to the period of Constantine was commented upon by many authors, starting with the Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari. They are all of the same Luna marble and of identical dimensions (about 2.40 metres diameter). The Arch incorporates sculptural decoration taken from earlier Imperial monuments, including eight large marble medallion reliefs or tondi dating from the Hadrianic period which are inset on the south and north sides, in pairs.They appear to have come from one earlier monument, perhaps in honour of Hadrian given their common theme of Hadrian hunting and sacrifcing to the Gods. The Arch stands between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill in Rome, on the spot that was in ancient times the start of the Via Triumphalis. It commemorates Emperor Constantine the Great's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, on 28 October 312 AD, over his rival, the tyrant Maxentius, who had ruled Rome since 306 AD. The Arch of Constantine is one of the most well-known monuments in Rome and was raised by the Senate in 315 AD (it was dedicated on 25 July 315 AD).
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