The Arch of Galerius was built by the city of Thessaloniki circa 298-305 AD to celebrate the victory of Roman emperor Galerius over the Persians. The structure initially formed part of Galerius’ Palace, which had eight piers designed in two parallel rows with three arches among them. The triumphal arch was a common architectural feature across the Roman Empire and was constructed to commemorate imperial victories and pay tribute to significant events. The Arch of Galerius was located on the eastern entrance to the city, since he was victorious against the East. Two main arteries of the city intersected here, the Via Egnatia and another road leading to the Rotunda. The central arch spanned Via Egnatia until 1952, when the road bypassed the monument to widen the avenue for vehicular traffic.