Triumphal Procession. 2 Corinthians 2

But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14 NET)

From Basil Kennett, Romae Antiquae Notitia: or, the Antiquities of Rome
(1696; London, 1721)

The triumphal procession was a major event of the Roman Empire, ingrained in the culture. Over 300 known processions have been discovered. The celebration lasted a day or more, and the highlight was the parade. The triumphant general rode in a gilded chariot led by white horses, while dazed prisoners were herded in front of him, his soldiers, and the spoils of war. This was the highest honor accorded a hero and celebrated the extraordinary deeds and service accomplished. This print, from the late 1600s, portrays the main elements of a triumphal procession. Click on this and any other image for a larger version.

The Arch of Titus on the Via Sacra in Rome (81 CE)

Relief of the Triumph of Titus

This is the Arch of Titus, erected in 81 CE, to honor Titus' victory over Judea in 70 CE. Decorative elements on the arch include a fresco depicting the triumphal procession of Titus, and another fresco detailing the carrying off of the sacred elements of the temple in Jerusalem -- the sacred Menorah, the Table of the Shewbread, and the silver trumpets which called the Jews to Rosh Hashanah.

Inscription on the Arch of Titus

The inscription on the arch reads, "Senatus Populusque Romanus Divo Tito Divi Vespasiani Filio Vespasiano Augusto" The Roman Senate and People to Deified Titus, Vespasian Augustus, son of Deified Vespasian.

Relief depicting the spoils of Jerusalem.

The Arch of Constantine (312-315 CE)
South side - Coliseum to the east

If you click on the picture you can clearly see the menorah and other spoils being carried off in the fresco. Imagine the humiliation to the defeated Jews -- these precious items were taken away, paraded around in Roman triumph, and finally it was all commemorated in stone.
The Arch of Constantine is a much larger and later (312-315 CE) example of the commemoration in architecture and the Triumphal Procession. Much of the decoration on this arch was recycled from other monuments.

Paul must have been aware of this aspect of Roman life. Perhaps he witnessed a smaller triumphal procession in the provinces before he finally arrived in Rome. And so he used this metaphor for his own description of what it means to be in Christ.

At first glance, it sounds like Christ is at the head of the parade, leading us all in triumph. But think again. We are the captives of Christ, the willing bond-servants. We are the captives driven ahead of His triumphant procession, like the slaves in the Roman procession. The difference is that we were conquered by loving sacrifice, not machines of war.

As long as we're looking at arches, the Roman arch of triumph gained favor again during the Renaissance. The most famous of these arches, commissioned in 1806, but not completed until 1833-36 is the Arch of Triumph in Paris, a monument to those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. Its design was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome. It's the second largest in the world, the largest located in Pyongyang, North Korea. That arch commemorates the successful guerrilla warfare of Kim Il Sung against the Japanese army from 1925 to 1945.

Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France

Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang - 1982

But I happen to think it pales in comparison to this ultimate arch of triumph.

Oldest McDonald's in continuous operation since 1953 - Phoenix, AZ

McDonald's -- the triumph of entrepreneurial spirit, cheap, fast food, and the addictive blend of grease, salt, and sugar in just the right proportions.