Trajan's Column

Rome, Italy

Trajan's Column is a Roman triumphal column in Rome, that commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. It was probably constructed under the supervision of the architect Apollodorus of Damascus at the order of the Roman Senate. It is located in Trajan's Forum, built near the Quirinal Hill, north of the Roman Forum. Completed in AD 113, the freestanding column is most famous for its spiral bas relief, which artistically describes the epic wars between the Romans and Dacians (101–102 and 105–106). Its design has inspired numerous victory columns, both ancient and modern.

The structure is about 30 metres high. The column shows 2,662 figures, and 155 scenes; Trajan himself appears on the column 58 times.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Foro Traiano, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

Details

Founded: 113 AD
Category: Statues in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Liviu Mihai (2 years ago)
Wonderful work of art and history lesson... Built by Apollodorus of Damascus and inaugurated in AD 113, it represents the carved chronicle of Trajan's wars with the Dacians, ancestors of the today's Romanians. The conquest of Dacia in AD 106 enriched Rome. Celebrations were organized with gladiators and beasts for 123 days, each Roman received 650 dinars, no more taxes were paid, aqueducts and theaters were built throughout the empire. Dacia (today's Romania territory) was ruled by the Romans until 271 AD. The Dacians were the supreme trophy of the Romans, and are represented by dozens of statues all over Rome: the Vatican, the Arch of Constantine, the Capitoline Museum etc.
Wayne Devlin (3 years ago)
An impressive pillar with some amazing carvings just beautiful surrounded buy history and the beautiful war memorial building, we visited an a Beautiful warm sunny day, but it was still very easy to get close and take pictures, craftsmanship was unreal
A. Richardson (3 years ago)
A great place just to get a lot of photos. You can actually touch these structures. It’s has breath taking art nearby as well. This place was free and it had security on station as well. There isn’t a guided tour available as well. Beware of the large amounts of foot traffic bc it could be overwhelming with traffic circle.
Rob Johnstone (3 years ago)
Trajans Column, ideal to see just before sunset. Great vibe with lots of street musicians and artists performing. Stones throw from the Roman forum and other famous historical sights in Rome
Robert Chomicz (3 years ago)
Not far from the Altar to the Fatherland stands the remains of Trajan's forum and its most prominent feature the spectacular Trajan's Column. Decorated in spiraling high-relief carvings, which are surprisingly well preserved for an almost 2000 year-old monument, the almost 100 foot tall column is a testament to roman Military might and engineering prowess and should not be missed. This will probably be a short stop on your itinerary, but it should be one that you make.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.

Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.