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A spiral bas-relief frieze recording over 2,000 military figures and battle scenes coils 23 times around Trajan's Column (113 AD) over a unique series of 20 marble drums, which illustrate the decisive victories and spoils of war won in the Kingdom of Dacia (101 AD - 106 AD / Romania) by the Roman Army, under the command of General and Emperor Trajan (98 AD - 117 AD). He is represented on almost 60 occasions. It is situated in what was originally a small courtyard near the centre of Trajan's Forum, the last of the great Imperial forums. Towering over it's environs at 125 ft, a small door hewn into the south face of the pedestal accessed a chamber containing Trajan's mortal remains. A bronze eagle, Trajan himself and St. Peter have crowned the column in turn since it was unveiled in 113 AD. St. Peter's statue has endured since 1587 at the behest of Pope Sixtus V. The staircase leading up to the bird's nest viewing platform meant a climb of 185 steps. Column reliefs were originally painted in bright, vivid colours with bronze inlays. It is accepted that Apollodorus of Damascus designed Trajan's Column. The lowest relief reveals a bridge of boats across the Danube, the highest recalls the surrender of the Dacians. Decelabus committed suicide soon after the last battle was lost. The column is of great value to modern historians and testament to ancient Roman sculpture.
[Previous Page / Next Page] ** This page introduces Trajan's Column |
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