It formed part of the sanctuary of Apollo adjoining Augustus's residence.
It formed one of the entrances to the Area Apollinis, on the south side, turned towards the Murcia valley.
According to Pliny the Elder, Augustus also built the arch in honour of his father Gaius Octavius.
It was decorated with statues of Apollo and Artemis by the Greek sculptor Lysias.
It supported an aedicule ornamented with columns and bearing a statue dedicated to Gaius Octavius.