Leptis Magna (modern Khoms, Libya) is most famous for being the place of residence of Septimius Severus in 145 AD. Severus joined the Roman army and rose through the ranks during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. In the chaos that followed the assassination of Commodus in 192 AD, Septimius Severus managed to eliminate all his rivals and proclaim himself emperor.

Severus joined the Roman army and rose through the ranks of the rulers of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. In the chaos that followed the assassination of Commodus in 192 AD, Septimius Severus managed to eliminate all his rivals and proclaim himself emperor.

Severus consolidated his government and then launched a campaign against the meddling Parthians in the east. Severυs returned victorious and erected this magnificent quadrifróп arch over the intersection of the cardo maximυs and the decυmaпυs maximυs in the very scepter of his пatal city.

The four sides are of equal dimensions. The arch has a limestone core and is decorated with marble papers. A frieze running through the attic illustrates the Emperor’s achievements. The arch had fallen into ruins in late antiquity, but was restored in 1928.