Arch of Dativius Victor

About

The Arch of Dativius Victor in Mainz is a rare surviving example of Roman civic architecture, offering a glimpse into the public life of ancient Mogontiacum. Originally erected in the 3rd century CE by a Roman official named Dativius Victor, the arch was part of a larger portico that once adorned the forum of the city. It was dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, and the well-being of the imperial family, reflecting the religious and political values of the time. Rediscovered in fragments during 19th-century excavations, the arch was reconstructed in 1975 near the Mainz Hilton, using original stones and supplemented with replicas. Its Latin inscriptions and sculptural reliefs—including depictions of Roman deities and civic symbols—make it a valuable artifact of Roman provincial life. Today, the arch stands as a testament to Mainz’s ancient heritage, bridging the modern cityscape with its imperial past.

Mainz Germany

Location

The Arch of Dativius Victor, a remarkable relic of Roman Mainz, is located as a replica outdoors on Ernst-Ludwig-Platz in central Mainz, while the original arch can be viewed in the stone hall of the Landesmuseum Mainz. The replica arch stands near the entrance to the Rheinstraße and is close to key attractions such as the Mainz State Theatre, the Christuskirche, the bustling shopping street Ludwigstraße, and just a few minutes’ walk from the Rhine riverfront. This site places the arch within immediate proximity to major city highlights like the Gutenberg Museum, Schillerplatz, the Fastnachtsbrunnen, and the beautiful Old Town, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a rich blend of Roman history and vibrant urban life when exploring the area.