Trajan’s Column
Trajan’s Column in Rome. Trajan’s Column is a Roman triumphal column located in Trajan’s Forum, near the Quirinal Hill in Rome. It was constructed to commemorate Emperor Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars.
Key features of Trajan’s Column include:
- Construction: The column was completed in 113 AD and is about 98 feet (30 meters) in height, excluding the pedestal.
- Spiral Frieze: The column is famous for its detailed, continuous frieze that spirals around the shaft, depicting scenes from Trajan’s military campaigns in Dacia (modern-day Romania).
- Base and Capital: The base and capital of the column are adorned with reliefs and sculptures. The base features scenes of the Roman army and the spoils of war, while the capital has a statue of Trajan.
- Access: Visitors could originally climb to the top of the column via a spiral staircase inside, but the staircase has been closed to the public for many years.
Trajan’s Column remains an important archaeological and artistic monument, providing valuable insights into Roman military and artistic traditions. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Trajan’s Forum and several other ancient Roman structures.
