The legacy of Emperor Trajan (reign 98 to 117 AD) was how his military prowess significantly expanded the Roman Empire. His territory included today’s Britain, across southern Europe to Iraq (then Babylonia) and portions of Northern Africa. To celebrate his success and flaunt his power, he ordered architect Apollodorus of Damascus to create the Forum of Trajan. The resulting civic space was extravagant and expansive, measuring 1,000 by 600 feet … the largest in history! The forum is in ruins yet the foundations remain. In the foreground was an enclosed courtyard. The marble flooring once displayed a gigantic equestrian statue of the emperor (called Equus Traiani) encircled by sculptures of captive enemies and military heroes. On the other side of the arches are rows of columns used to support Basilica Ulpia (the emperor’s middle name). It was a very impressive 555 feet long. Column of Trajan is mostly intact. Its 600 feet of marble carvings tell the stories of the emperor’s military campaigns. The bronze statue of St. Peter at the 125 foot peak replaced the original version of Trajan. On either side were libraries. The two domes are relatively contemporary churches. On the left is Santa Maria di Loreto (Saint Mary of Loreto) built in 1596. On the right is Santissimo Nome di Maria (Most Holy Name of Mary) built in 1741.
