it stretched from the arch of septimius severus to the arch of titus. rome's various triumphal arches, named after the emperors who built them, functioned as public-relations tools. reliefs decorating the various arches show how war and expansion were the business of state. rome's thriving economy was fueled by plunder and slaves won in distant wars. announcer: this program is made possible in part by... historic marion, virginia, home of song of the mountains, a main street community in the heart of the virginia highlands. the ellis family foundation-- encouraging economic revitalization through the restoration of historic buildings in downtown marion, virginia, including the general francis marion hotel. teds-- dedicated to providing strategic talent management solutions. the bank of marion-- your community, your vision, your bank. morehead state university's kentucky center for traditional music is a proud supporter of song of the mountains. emory and henry college-- transforming lives since 1836. bryant label, a proud supporter of our region's musica

here, you see the arch of titus. this is where the apotheosis of titus -- you see a detail of it, where it is located. right at the apex. in the sighting of burmese in the fresco accords with this convention. in the arch, scenes of titus's mortal life. here we see the future emperor, headless. but nonetheless, there he is in his chariot returning to rome after the conquest of judeo. the scenes of his mortal life are placed in the lower section. and depict the subject in a more realistic fashion then above. -- then the apotheosis seen above. as in the rotunda, this orchestration alludes to the passage of time, life, and rebirth. by showing the enshrined leader's earthly deeds as a prelude to his now immortal status. these examples are didactic in nature, intended to teach very specific lessons with the model they provide. although the concept and iconography refer to the roman world, its scale and visual complexity call to mind the baroque ceiling designs the artist would have known in italy prior to his 1852 immigrati