The centerpiece of Piazza Colonna is a 97 foot, Carrara marble column featuring an intricate spiral relief. The carvings portray the highlights of the Marcomannic Wars. These conflicts from 166 to 180 AD pitted the Roman Empire against the Germans and Sarmatians. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was considered the victor, even though he died a few months before the end of the final battle. The Marcus Aurelius Column was erected in 193 AD.
