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Trajan's Column
Attraction
4.8 (3578 reviews)
A carved frieze winds up around the outside of this column erected upon victory in the Dacian wars.
Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Did You Know?
Feet Tall
Trajan's Column stands approximately 100 Roman feet (about 30 meters or 98 feet) high, excluding its base, making it a towering monument in ancient Rome.
Continuous Narrative
Its most striking feature is a continuous, spiraling frieze that wraps around the shaft 23 times, depicting the two Dacian Wars fought by Emperor Trajan.
Figures Depicted
The intricate relief carving on the column features around 2,660 individual figures, illustrating battle scenes, sieges, ceremonies, and daily life of Roman soldiers.
Trajan's Resting Place
Uniquely, the base of the column served as the tomb for Emperor Trajan and his wife, Plotina, whose ashes were interred in golden urns within.
Highlights from Reviews
• intricate carvings
The spiral relief boasts incredible detail and artistry, vividly narrating historical events with precision that remains clear after centuries.
• historical storytelling
It functions as a 'history book carved in stone,' depicting Trajan's victories in the Dacian Wars in a continuous, cinematic narrative.
• impressive preservation
Despite being nearly 2000 years old, the column is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing ancient Roman craftsmanship.
• architectural grandeur
Its sheer size, engineering, and monumental presence make it an astonishing structure and a masterpiece of ancient art.
• central location
Located within Trajan's Forum, it's easily accessible and near other major historical sites, making it a convenient stop.
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