Trajan's Forum

Rome, Italy

Trajan's Forum was the last of the Imperial fora to be constructed in ancient Rome. It was built on the order of the emperor Trajan with the spoils of war from the conquest of Dacia, which ended in 106. The Forum was inaugurated in 112, while Trajan's Column was erected and then inaugurated in 113.

The Forum consisted of a vast portico-lined piazza measuring 300 metres long and 185 metres wide exedrae on two sides. The main entrance to the forum lay on the southern side, via a triumphal arch surmounted by a statue of Trajan in a six-horse chariot. The Basilica Ulpia lies at the north end of the piazza, which was cobbled with rectangular blocks of white marble and decorated by a large equestrian statue of Trajan. On either side of the piazza are markets, also housed by the exedrae.

North of the Basilica was a smaller piazza, with a temple dedicated to the deified Trajan on the far north side facing inwards. The position of - and very existence of - the temple dedicated to the deified Trajan is a matter of hotly contested debate among archaeologists, particularly clear in the ongoing debate between James E. Packer and Roberto Meneghini. Directly north of the Basilica Ulpia on either side of the forum were two libraries, one housing Latin documents and the other Greek documents. Between the libraries stood the 38-metre Trajan's Column.

In the mid-9th century, the marble cobble blocks of the piazza were systematically taken for re-use, because of the good quality of the lime. At the same time, the pavement was restored in wrought as a sign that the piazza was still in use as a public space.

In modern times only a section of the markets and the column of Trajan remain. A number of columns which historically formed the Basilica Ulpia remained on site, and have been re-erected. Today Trajan's forum has become well known for its large population of feral cats.

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Founded: 112 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hussain Bin (57 days ago)
Trajan’s Forum (Forum Traiani) was the last and largest of the Imperial Forums in Rome, constructed by Emperor Trajan between 107 and 112 AD. It was designed by the renowned architect Apollodorus of Damascus and served as a grand public space that celebrated Trajan’s military victories.
Matúš Komarňanský (2 months ago)
The Foro di Traiano (Trajan’s Forum) is the largest and most impressive of the Imperial Forums in Rome, built by Emperor Trajan between 107 and 113 AD to commemorate his victory in the Dacian Wars. Designed by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus, it served as a political, commercial, and administrative center, showcasing the wealth and power of Trajan’s reign. Key Features: 1. Architectural Layout: • Size: The forum covered an area of approximately 300 by 185 meters (984 by 607 feet). • Entrance: A monumental triumphal arch, decorated with statues of Trajan and victory symbols, served as the main entrance. • Central Square: A large open plaza surrounded by colonnades, where statues of Trajan and other military figures were displayed. 2. Key Structures: • Basilica Ulpia: Located at the heart of the forum, it was used for legal proceedings, public assemblies, and administrative tasks. • Trajan’s Column: A commemorative column adorned with spiraling reliefs depicting Trajan’s victories in the Dacian Wars. • Libraries: Two libraries (one for Latin texts and one for Greek texts) flanked the column, symbolizing the forum as a center of knowledge. • Temple of Divine Trajan: Built after Trajan’s death, this temple honored the emperor and his wife, Plotina. 3. Trajan’s Market: • A semicircular complex of multi-level shops and offices located adjacent to the forum. It is considered one of the world’s earliest examples of a shopping mall. Purpose and Significance: • Commemoration: Celebrated Trajan’s military triumphs and reinforced his image as a successful and benevolent ruler. • Public Space: Provided a hub for political, economic, and cultural activities in ancient Rome. • Architectural Innovation: Showcased advanced Roman engineering and urban planning. Although much of the Foro di Traiano is in ruins today, its remains continue to inspire awe and serve as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization.
Leandro Romero (4 months ago)
This place is one of the must-sees in Rome. If you want to enter through the path between the ruins, you have to buy a ticket, in advance of course. For me it was not necessary to buy the ticket, I could see the structures and took wonderful photos from the street.
afm:berlin (5 months ago)
Trajan's Forum is a hidden gem in Rome that offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life. The towering columns and ruins are beautifully preserved, and the site feels peaceful compared to other more crowded attractions. It's an impressive reminder of Rome’s architectural and historical greatness. Highly recommended for history buffs and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still experiencing a piece of Roman grandeur.
C. Morgan (6 months ago)
Very nice area that you can see from the top of the street. In the night, the scene changed quite a lot as lots of bats will go out for a fly hunt. It is a must see for sure and it is included also in the colosseum and foro romano ticket.
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