Chapter 9 / Trajan's Column

Rome / 113 AD

Trajan's column, standing nearly 100 feet tall(125 feet, including it's large pedestal), can be found in Rome. It is a triumphal column that commemorates emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian wars. Trajan was the emperor of Rome from 97-117 AD, and is remembered as a great emperor for his military expansion which led to maximum Roan territory expansion. The column was built around 113 AD and stands in Trajan's Forum, just north of the Roman forum. A frieze spirals (similar to a ribbon) up the length of the column, starting around 1 meter high at the base and reaching about 1.2 meters near the top, allowing for the viewer to see the carvings at the top. This method is similar to how columns taper near the top to create the illusion of continuity.

The column consists of marble drums cut horizontally and placed on top on one another. Supporting the column is a podium that is decorated with carvings of the spoils of the war. Trajan's ashes are placed in a repository at the base of the column. The scenes are carved in high relief into the column.

Starting at the base of the column, the first four bands of the ribbon depict Trajan's Roman army preparing for their campaign. A giant, bearded river god, personifying the Danube, watches as Trajan leads the Roman army out of the walled city. Moving up the column, the second level depicts army camp and the capture of a spy. Throughout the entire column, background figures are raised above foreground figures, basically eliminating blank space on the column. By showing this crowded nature, the column really shows the bustling energy of Rome during the first century, especially cities preparing for war, as was happening at the construction of the column. Each figure is carved with great detail.