Destination List > Arch of Trajan
Arch of Trajan
Photo by Carole Raddato
The history...
The Arch of Trajan is a large and beautiful monument built in honor of Emperor Trajan. It was completed in AD 114.
Made of limestone and marble, the arch stands 15.6 meters (51 feet) tall and is covered in detailed carvings and reliefs. These detailed carvings, known as reliefs, that depict various important events and achievements from Emperor Trajan's life and reign including:
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Military Victories: Many of the reliefs show scenes from Trajan's successful military campaigns, especially his wars in Dacia (modern-day Romania). These scenes depict Roman soldiers in battle, Trajan addressing his troops, and captured enemies.
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Civil Projects: Trajan was known for improving the Roman Empire's infrastructure. The arch shows Trajan overseeing the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings, symbolizing his efforts to make the empire stronger and more connected.
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Helping the Roman People: The arch also depicts Trajan as a caring leader. Some reliefs show him giving out food to the poor and helping the Roman people, symbolizing his role as a "good emperor" who looked after the welfare of his citizens.
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The Emperor and the Gods: On some parts of the arch, Trajan is shown standing alongside Roman gods and goddesses, such as Jupiter, the king of the gods. This highlights his connection to the divine and the belief that he was favored by the gods.
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The Roman Senate: Another important scene shows Trajan being welcomed by the Roman Senate. This illustrates his good relationship with the Roman government and his authority as a ruler.
The Arch of Trajan was built at the entrance to the city of Benevento, along a road that connected the city to important trade routes. This made the arch an important symbol of power and prosperity for the region. People entering the city would pass under the arch, and they could see the carvings that celebrated the greatness of Emperor Trajan.
Today, the Arch of Trajan is still standing and remains in excellent condition. It's one of the best-preserved Roman arches and is a key example of how the Romans used architecture to honor their leaders and tell the story of their empire.
Source ChatGPT
