Trajan's Forum

The complex was created in 106 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus, the most famous architect of the era. The complex was created between 107 and 113 AD and required the leveling of a 40 meter high hill. At the time the forum was seen as one of the architectural wonders of the world.

The main entrance to the Forum of Trajan led to a large courtyard flanked by two colonnaded porticos. Behind the porticos, which were decorated with numerous statues, were two exedras. At the center of the enclosed courtyard stood an enormous equestrian statue; estimations lead us to believe it was three times as large as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on the Capitol.

To the north the courtyard was bordered by the Basilica Ulpia, an imposing basilica. The colossal structure had five naves, divided by colonnades. Its hall was lavishly decorated with precious metals and colorful marble.

Behind the Basilica Ulpia was a small courtyard, bordered by two libraries, one Greek and one Latin. The magnificent Column of Trajan, was erected at the center of the courtyard to commemorate the victory of Trajan over the Dacians. The column, one of the best preserved ancient monuments, is encircled with a frieze on which bas-reliefs recount the story of the conquest of Dacia. The column's height marked the top of the hill that was leveled to make way for the forum.

Trajan's favorite architect Apollodorus also designed the Markets of Trajan, a six stories high complex with shops, offices and depots. It was the equivalent of a modern shopping center, unequalled at the time.

There were also plans to create a temple at the forum, but Trajan's sudden death in 117 AD delayed its construction. Emperor Hadrian, Trajan's successor, reignited the project in 121 AD and dedicated the temple to the now deified emperor Trajan and his wife Plotina.

1. Temple of Trajan
2. Trajan's Column
3. Libraries
4. Basilica Ulpia
5. Forum
6. Trajan's Markets