Lightning Strikes Iconic Arch of Constantine During Violent Rome Storm

The ancient Roman Arch of Constantine, near the Colosseum, suffered damage from a powerful storm that struck Rome. The lightning hit the triumphal arch, displacing large stone blocks. Conservation efforts are ongoing with archaeologists working to assess and repair the damage.

The ancient Arch of Constantine in Rome was damaged after a violent storm struck the city, conservation authorities reported on Tuesday.

A statement from the Colosseum Archaeological Park confirmed the monument was hit by lightning. Built in the 4th century AD, the arch commemorates Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius.

Standing next to the Colosseum, the 25-meter tall arch is a major tourist attraction. A tourist reported witnessing the lightning strike, which caused large stone blocks to fall.

Reuters video footage revealed scattered rubble and park staff working to collect the fragments. Conservation efforts are already underway, with assessments set to continue.

The southern side of the arch, where pre-scheduled conservation work was ongoing, bore the brunt of the damage during the storm, which felled trees and flooded several streets.

The Civil Protection agency noted that central Rome received 60 millimeters of rain in less than an hour, a month's worth of autumn rainfall.

(With inputs from agencies.)