- Storm hits again: this time, the Arch of Constantine in Rome was struck by lightning
- Monumental piece of art
Storm hits again: this time, the Arch of Constantine in Rome was struck by lightning
An official said on Wednesday that the ancient Arch of Constantine in Rome was struck by lightning during a violent storm, and some fragments fell off.
After the lightning strike on Tuesday afternoon, "all the fragments have been found and protected", a spokeswoman for the Colosseum's archaeological park said, adding that "the assessment of the damage has already begun".
The Arc de Triomphe was built in 315 to celebrate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Milvian Bridge. Work on the arch has been ongoing since Monday.
Monumental piece of art
At around 25 meters high, the Arch of Constantine, near the Colosseum, is the largest of the three surviving triumphal arches in Rome. It stands on the road used by triumphal processions.
After a hot and dry summer, the center of Rome was hit by an unexpected storm on Tuesday afternoon, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning. The municipality said more than 80 mm of rain per square meter fell on the historical center, the usual amount for the whole autumn month. The storm caused flooding, and winds of up to 90 km per hour toppled trees.
Based on ELTA reports
