View Page: Forum, Markets and Column of Trajan
University of Washington Honors Program in Rome


Forum, Markets and Column of Trajan
written by mcwilson / 09.05.2004
Section Six 6 of 7

  Personal Observations
 
 
Column with Background of a More Modern Building
 
The nature of the frieze as a funerary tribute is most interesting to me. The incredible effort that was put into perpetuating the memory of Trajan and his Dacain Wars is astonishing, and I find it remarkable that the column stands today, still perpetuating his life after death through the remembrance of those visiting his tomb. In continuing with the theme of the continuation of time, it must be phenomenal to see such an old artifact standing next to more modern buildings while considering how much time has passed since this monument was erected. The juxtaposition of artifacts from an empire that controlled such a large fraction of Europe in ancient times to modern Rome must be magnificent. This cannot really be ignored by those who visit the Forum today, with the blatant differences between the Forum and the more modern buildings erected around it, and yet the agreement of the purposes of each structure: to house and celebrate Romans.

I find it amazing that such a great effort was made by Trajan to defend his conquests in war. Imagine George Bush erecting such a monument in defense of his war in Iraq. How incredible for a leader to take such care that his citizens approved of his actions, however pointless they may have been. Granted, it was necessary for him to take such actions to ensure the perpetuation of his life, but the lengths to which Trajan, and other Emperors went to in the celebration of their successes and the glory of their people is incredible.

The functionality of such an elaborate funerary monument is equally as amazing. A modern gravestone in an average cemetery may enjoy only the occasional visit from a close loved one to the deceased. In comparison, few people who lived in the time of the Romans are being remembered as Trajan is today with the existence of his column. The efforts to preserve Trajan’s memory, with the combination of many memorial strategies of his time, will endure for ages as many people who came after him are forgotten.
 
   
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