Paris052 Arc de Triomphe The monument stands over 51 meters (165 ft) high and 45 meters (130 ft) wide. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence. Its design was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome. Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, it was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate The Triumph of 1810; Resistance and Peace; and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known by the name La Marseillaise. Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls. At the base of the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars. Here every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic lays a wreath. On 14 July - the French National Day (referred to as Bastille Day everywhere except in France) - a military parade down the Champs Elysées begins here. For important occasions of state and national holidays, a huge French tricolor is unfurled and hung from the vaulted ceiling inside of the Arch. The inscription (translated) reads: "This monument which was begun in 1806 to honor the great army, was left unfinished for many years, was continued in 1823 with a new purpose, and was completed in 1836 in the reign of King Louis-Philippe I who dedicated it to the glory of France's armed forces. G. A. Blouet, architect"