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Trajan's Column

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description Trajan's Column Overview

Trajan’s Column stands as a monumental testament to Roman military achievement. Constructed in Rome around 113 AD, the column is entirely crafted from marble and features extensive relief carvings documenting Emperor Trajan's campaigns in Dacia (modern Romania). These detailed scenes provide invaluable insight into Roman military tactics and imperial propaganda. The monument serves as a significant historical artifact primarily for historians, archaeologists, and those studying ancient Roman history and art.

help Trajan's Column FAQ

When was Trajan's Column dedicated?

The Roman victory column was dedicated in AD 113, located in the Forum of Trajan in Rome. It was built to commemorate Emperor Trajan's successful military campaigns in the Dacian Wars.

What is depicted on the carvings of Trajan's Column?

The column is entirely covered in a continuous spiral bas-relief intricately detailing the story of the Dacian Wars. The carvings wind upwards 23 times and feature over 2,500 figures, including detailed depictions of Roman soldiers.

How tall is Trajan's Column?

The column stands at exactly 100 Roman feet (about 30 meters or 98 feet) tall, not including its large pedestal. It was originally topped by a bronze statue of Emperor Trajan himself.

What happened to Trajan's ashes?

Trajan died in 117 CE, and his ashes, along with those of his wife Plotina, were placed inside a golden urn in the column's base. The urn was likely lost or removed during the Middle Ages when the monument was abandoned.

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