Lightning Damages Rome’s Ancient Constantine Arch During A Violent Thunderstorm
A tourist takes photos of the 315 A.D Arch of Constantine, near the Colosseum, in Rome, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, as workers on site with cranes gather up fragments and secure broken areas of the arch after lightning struck it during a storm Tuesday, Sept. 3, loosening fragments from the ancient Roman structure. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
ROME (AP) — Lightning has struck Rome’s Constantine Arch near the Colosseum during a violent thunderstorm, loosening fragments from the ancient structure.
The extent of the damage from Tuesday’s storm is still being assessed.
The Colosseum Archeological Park says the fragments were immediately gathered by workers.
The lightning strike occurred during a storm that felled trees and flooded streets in the Italian capital.
The honorary arch, nearly 70 feet in height, was erected in 315 A.D. to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius following the battle at Milvian Bridge.