The Marcus Aurelius Arch site appears at the northeastern entrance of the medina of Oea, in modern Tripoli. It is the only heritage left from Tripoli’s prestigious Roman past. Entirely constructed in white marble which was very rare at the time, the monument was established in 165 AD, which marks the apogee of Oea in the second century. The monument, a quadrilateral triumphal arch surmounted by an unusual octagonal dome, was built by Gaius Calpurnius Celsus to glorify the victories of Lucius Verus, brother of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, against the Parthian Empire in the Roman-Parthian War of 161–166. Luxurious Sculptures that appear on the two front pediments show figures on a chariot being drawn by what looks like mythical creatures. The figures represent allegedly the patron deities of the city, Apollo and Minerva in bigae drawn by griffins and sphinxes. Other interpretations regard the figures of the bigae as representing Lucius Verus and the goddess Roma, respectively. The monument was first located in Leptis Magna before it was moved to the new site in Oea. Rising at almost twelve meters high, the monument is lying at the intersection of the city’s main streets, a view that cannot be missed by the passing travelers
The monument is perfectly well-conserved thanks to a legend that linked its survival to the city’s. The ancient Oea was continuously occupied until it became the old city of Tripoli that we know today. Its history is therefore narrated through the stories of Arab or European travelers who did not fail to point out this architectural anachronism the city is known for.
