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Forum of Trajan

Photo by Michael Gaylard

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The history...

The Forum of Trajan is one of the largest and most impressive of the Roman imperial forums, built in Rome by Emperor Trajan. It was completed in AD 112 and designed by a famous architect named Apollodorus of Damascus. The forum was built to celebrate Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars, which expanded the Roman Empire.

This grand complex was more than just a public square; it had many important buildings, a large open courtyard, a huge basilica (a public meeting place), and two libraries. In the center of the forum stood a large statue of Trajan riding a horse, showing his power and leadership.

One of the most famous parts of the Forum of Trajan is Trajan's Column, a tall, 30-meter (98 feet) stone column with carvings spiraling all the way up. These carvings tell the story of Trajan’s battles during the Dacian Wars. Today, the column is still standing, and it is one of the best-preserved monuments in Rome.

The forum was also a place where people could meet, shop, and do business. Nearby was the Market of Trajan, which was like a giant shopping mall, with many different shops and stalls where people could buy goods.

Over time, parts of the Forum of Trajan were damaged or destroyed, especially during the Middle Ages. However, some parts, like Trajan’s Column and sections of the marketplace, still survive today.

Source ChatGPT