The arch was built between 211 and 214 by means of a testamentary donation of Gaius Cornelius Egrilianus, Prefect of the XIV legion, who was originally from Thebeste.

The lateral arches were walled up, as was the northern one, until they were reopened by French military engineers during the colonial period.

On the pylons, beside the spans are pairs of columns with Corinthian capitals, detached from the wall and with pilasters behind, supported by a podium from which their pedestals extend.

On the attic on three sides dedications are inscribed to the deified Emperor Septimius Severus, Julia Domna and Caracalla.

The reconstruction of the very top of the arch is the subject of some debate among scholars: According to Meunier[4] an octagonal lantern would have stood there with its base hidden by the aediculae, while according to another there would have been a low dome.