ROME: The Arch of Constantine, a monumental ancient Roman structure adjacent to the Colosseum, suffered damage after a severe storm hit Rome, conservation authorities reported on Tuesday.
The Colosseum Archaeological Park confirmed that lightning struck the triumphal arch, which was erected in the 4th century AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over his rival Maxentius. Standing approximately 25 meters (82 feet) tall, the arch is located in a popular pedestrian area near the Colosseum.
A tourist reported seeing a lightning strike hit the arch, causing a large block of stone to fall. Reuters images showed other fallen blocks and rubble around the monument, with archaeological staff working to secure and collect the fragments.
The damage occurred on the arch’s southern side, where conservation work had recently begun and will now include repairs for the storm damage. The heavy thunderstorm also caused widespread flooding and damage throughout central Rome, with the Civil Protection agency noting that 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) of rain fell in less than an hour—equivalent to a month’s worth of rainfall for autumn.
