Introduction to the Arch of Titus: The Arch of Titus faces the Colosseum and stands in the center of the Via Sacra. It was built to commemorate Titus' victory over the Jews in 70 AD and the looting of a large amount of Jerusalem's spoils. Because the relief depicts lamps, trumpets and other sacred trophies, many Jews to this day refuse to pass under it, thinking it is a desecration of the Jerusalem temple and holy objects.