In Rome, the Arch of Constantine struck by lightning loses some of its fragments

The Arch of Constantine, located near the Colosseum in Rome, was damaged by lightning on Tuesday during a violent storm that dumped torrential rain on the Italian capital, local authorities said on Wednesday.

“All the fragments (of the arc struck by lightning and fallen to the ground – Editor’s note) have been recovered and put in a safe place”a spokeswoman for the Colosseum archaeological park told AFP. “The assessment of the damage has already begun and the analyses are continuing this morning”she added.

This triumphal arch was erected in honor of Constantine in 315 AD to celebrate the emperor’s victory at the Battle of Ponte Milvio against his rival Maxentius. Standing 25 meters tall, it is undergoing maintenance work that began on Monday. It is the largest of three triumphal arches still preserved in Rome and located on the route of triumphal processions, near the Colosseum.

Monuments facing climate change

After a hot and dry summer, Rome was hit by a sudden storm on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning. More than 80 millimeters of rain per square meter fell on the historic center, roughly the amount of rain recorded on average in an autumn month, according to the municipality of Rome. Winds blowing at 90 km/h brought down trees.

Experts say climate change is altering weather balances and increasing the number of extreme weather events. “It is increasingly clear that the issue of climate change and its impact on our lives is now unavoidable.”commented the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.