Trajan’s Column: Roman Victory, Propaganda & Artistic Techniques

What is the date of Trajan's Column construction?

112-113 AD

What materials were used to construct Trajan's Column?

Paran Marble from the Greek island Paros

Where is Trajan's Column located?

In Trajan's Forum in the north of Rome near the Quirinal hill

Who was the architect of Trajan's Column?

Apollodorus of Damascus

What is the total height of Trajan's Column including its pedestal?

38 meters

What is the height of Trajan's Column alone?

29.77 meters

What is the diameter of Trajan's Column?

3.7 meters

How long is the frieze on Trajan's Column?

200 meters

What are the two main purposes of Trajan's Column?

It is both commemorative and propagandist

Who led the Dacians during their conflict with Trajan?

Decebalus

What significant event occurred after the first Roman victory over the Dacians?

Decebalus was forced to accept terms of peace. He broke these terms and the second battle followed whereby his kingdom was taken and made into a Roman province.

What happened to Decebalus after the second battle?

He committed suicide

What is depicted on Trajan's Column that showcases Trajan's virtues?

Scenes of Trajan offering sacrifices, showing clementia (mercy), and his virtus (bravery)

What was added to Trajan's Column after his death?

His ashes were placed at the base of the column, making it his tomb

What is the structure of Trajan's Column?

• The column is made of a series of drums fitted together.
• Pedestal is decorated with the spoils of war.
• Narrow slits to let light into the hollow interior illuminating the spiral staircase.
• Originally a statue of Trajan was on top. This was replaced by one of St Peter in 1588.

How many figures are arranged in the frieze of Trajan's Column?

Around 2,500 figures

What narrative technique is used in the frieze of Trajan's Column?

Continuous scenes without framing or gaps

What themes are depicted in the frieze of Trajan's Column?

Themes include the Roman army setting out, fortifying a camp, addressing soldiers, battle scenes, and gaining victory.

What visual technique is used to make the top bands of the column visible?

The human figures get larger as they go up the column.

What was the significance of the god of the River Danube in the frieze?

He watches the Roman soldiers march across his river.

What is the significance of the grooving around the figures on the column?

It accentuates the figures and enhances visibility.

What does the term 'pietas' refer to in the context of Trajan's Column?

Trajan's respect for the gods as shown in the scenes of sacrifice.

How many scenes about the two battles are depicted on Trajan's Column?

There are 150 scenes.

How are the Dacians portrayed in the frieze?

• The Dacians are portrayed as barbarians, long-hair and beards, wearing tunics, capes and trousers. Their most prominent feature is the floppy felt hat.
• They appear as formidable adversaries, emphasizing the strength of the Roman victory.

Why would Trajan want to commission this piece to depict an unravelling scene?

• It's both historical documentation and imperial propaganda
• To commemorate Rome and all its achievements
• Also used as propaganda to the public on his power

Who was Trajan?

Trajan was a Roman emperor (ruled AD 98-117) known for military success, public building projects, and expanding the Roman Empire to its greatest extent.

How many times is he depicted on the column, and why is it important?

On the column, he is depicted over 60 times, always calm, authoritative, and central, reinforcing his role as the ideal commander and statesman. Highlights his power and reinforces his wealth and importance.

What is the portrayal of Trajan in the frieze?

• features prominently throughout the frieze
• is shown in a realistic manner
• is personally involved in the action
• dominates scenes by his continual presence
• is normal size but sculpted slightly larger than other figures
• is easy to identify because other figures look towards him
• is often standing on a higher ground level than those around him
• is sometimes shown piously sacrificing to the gods

What is the evidence of the column's propaganda?

• The column is located in Trajan's own Forum with a triumphal archway, equestrian statues and after his death a temple dedicated to him.
• Trajan's military success demonstrates his virtus (bravery and endurance).
• The strength of the Roman army and its victory over the Dacians occurred under Trajan's leadership.
• There are scenes of Trajan offering sacrifices which shows his pietas (respect for the gods).
• There are scenes of Trajan showing clementia (mercy) and his authority.

What was the function of the column?

The column was dedicated in 113 AD but after Trajan's death in 117 AD the. Senate decided to put his ashes at the. base of the column, so the structure became his tomb.

How is Trajan's column propagandist?

Because it reminds the Romans of Trajan's success as a military leader.

How is Trajan's column commemorative?

Commemorative because the scenes depict
Trajan's victory over the Dacians in 101-102 AD
and then again in 105-106 AD.

What is in Trajan's Forum, emphasizing the column's political and ceremonial importance?

• Temple to Divine Trajan, built after his death by Hadrian
• Trajan's Column with Greek and Latin libraries situated on each side
• Basilica (great hall)
• Equestrian statue of Trajan
• Arch of Trajan

Who were the Dacians?

The Dacians were an ancient people from the region of modern-day Romania, known for their resistance against Roman expansion.

What separates the portrayal of the Dacians and Roman forces?

• Each soldier of the Dacians are depicted individually and in dynamic poses
• This contrast between their vivid portrayal and the more orderly Roman forces underscores the theme of Roman military superiority.

What is Trajan's Forum and why is this important?

• The Forum itself was the epicenter of Roman political, legal, and social activity
• So positioning the column here reinforced its imperial significance.