Rome’s Constantine Arch Damaged by Lightning, Colosseum Flooded in Violent Storm

On 3 September, a severe storm struck Rome, causing significant damage to the Arch of Constantine and flooding the lower tunnels of the Colosseum. The lightning strike dislodged fragments from the fourth-century monument, while heavy rainfall forced the temporary closure of the Colosseum, according to CNN. The Colosseum Archaeological Park responded swiftly, with conservators assessing the damage and securing the fallen marble pieces, which were integrated into ongoing restoration efforts on the arch's southern side. Workers used a crane to remove broken slabs from the monument, originally built to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, described the storm as an "incredible water bomb," with over 60 millimetres of rain recorded. Further damage assessments are being conducted by city and environmental authorities.