Which element is not typically associated with Roman triumphal arches?

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Triumphal arches are monumental structures built in ancient Rome to commemorate military victories and significant events. They are characterized by several distinct architectural elements, which do not typically include decorative frescoes.

The primary features of a Roman triumphal arch usually include one or three arched openings, which are arranged in a way that allows for the passage of vehicles and symbolize the triumphal procession of the victorious army. Large columns often frame these openings, enhancing the grandeur and verticality of the arch, and victory sculptures, either freestanding or relief representations, are commonly incorporated to honor the achievements of the military leader or to celebrate a specific victory.

In contrast, decorative frescoes were not a traditional part of the architectural design of triumphal arches. Frescoes are typically associated with interior wall decoration in buildings or domestic spaces rather than the exterior decoration of monumental structures such as arches. Their absence highlights the focus on three-dimensional forms, structural grandeur, and commemorative imagery in Roman triumphal architecture rather than painted decoration.

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