T his column stands in the center of what would today be considered a large shopping mall. In the second century they were called forums, and served as places where people would meet, eat, and shop. This particular forum was built by Emperor Trajan to celebrate his war victories. He led two successful campaigns in 101 and 105 against the Dacians in an area that today is part of Romania and Serbia. The column has reliefs showing every stage of the campaigns, from suiting up and getting ready at the bottom, all the way to victory at the top. You won't see much beyond the bottom of this column because it was designed to be viewed from the galleries of the libraries that surrounded it. It is 98-feet tall, the same height as the hill that was leveled to make way for the forum. Trajan's Column is one of the best firsthand accounts of ancient Roman military might and tactics, and is considered a priceless treasure and resource. It is constantly monitored to make sure it isn't deteriorating or in harm's way. Like almost everything else in Rome, a Pope had a hand in this as well. In 1587 the statue at the top of Emperor Trajan was replaced by a statue of Saint Peter.
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