Roman Arch in Pula

In Pula (Croatia) there is a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch, which honoured the Sergia family, and especially Lucius Sergius Lepidus – a military tribune in the XXIX Legion who took part in the battle of Actium in 29 BCE. The family of Sergia had an important position in the city.

The building is believed to have been built in the years 29-27 BCE and was near the then main gate (Porta Aurea) of the Roman colony Pietas Julia. The preserved inscription says that the object was commissioned by Salvia Postuma Sergii, the wife of the aforementioned Lepidus. The bow mentions the names of the married couple and the father and uncle of Lepidus: Lucius and Gaius Sergius. In the original version, at the top of the arch, there were sculptures of Lepidus and older men on the sides.

The arch is decorated with a preserved frieze, on which you can see Cupids, garlands and the image of a bull.