DDD . . . N . ER . . VIS . IMP . PE . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INVICTIS . AVG . ITEMQVE . CONSTANTIO . MAXIMIANO . . .
LISSIMIS . CAESARIBVS . DN . . . AVGVSTO . . . . . . . . .
ISTIC . IN . PROVINCIA . SVA . M . TVTOS . . . . . . . . .
The total length of the monument, according to M. Guérin, is 10·35 mètres, the opening of the arch 5·70 mètres, and the height to the keystone about 7 mètres.[152] We did not ourselves verify these measurements. Bruce has made no drawing of this building.
The most important of the ruins of Sbeitla is the hieron enclosing three semi-attached temples, the central one being of the composite order, and that on either side Corinthian; the whole, however, forms one composition or design. Shaw has given figures of these temples, which are described by Bruce as ‘in a style much like what one would expect from an ordinary carpenter or mason,’ and adds the remark that he hopes he has done them more justice.
This no one will dispute. The two illustrations selected are done with a conscientiousness and ability, which could not be surpassed, and they are accompanied by none of the accessories which disfigure some of his highly finished drawings. It is to be regretted, however, that he has shown the three temples as an isolated block of buildings, instead of indicating the manner in which they were joined to the general enclosure of the sacred ground. The back wall of the hieron was formed by the rear of the temples themselves, and a prolongation on each side of the line thus formed; on this the two side walls abut, while the front side is opened by a splendid triumphal arch dedicated to Antoninus Pius, and bearing, as is usual in similar inscriptions, the name of his adoptive father Hadrian, as well as that of Nerva.
This monument has not in the slightest degree deteriorated since it was drawn by Bruce. A careful examination of it with the photograph taken by my companion does not enable me to detect the slightest difference, except that the broken column to the right of the arch has now disappeared; even the four stones which remain in the second course of the attic are now exactly as they were.
It is composed of a large central arch and a small one on either side. Four unfluted Corinthian columns, with a complete entablature, envelop these three arches. The impost of the principal arch goes round the building, but stops short of the columns, which project beyond it. The heads of the lateral arches are below this line, and between it and the entablature are square-headed niches, slightly recessed. The entablature is complete in three parts, architrave, frieze, and cornice, and was surmounted by an attic, two courses of which remain, but the crowning moulding has disappeared.
On the frieze above the principal gate is the following inscription:—