The Marcus Aurelius column is situated in the heart of Rome’s Piazza Colonna, adjacent to Trajan’s Column and Via del Corso. It is a remarkable example of Roman military victories and imperial commemoration, and scholars believe it was constructed around 180 CE under the reign of Emperor Commodus, honoring his parents, Marcus Aurelius and Faustina.
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Design and Construction of the Marcus Aurelius Column
Inspired by Trajan’s Column, which was erected in Rome in 113 CE, the Marcus Aurelius column stands 39 meters tall, with an additional 7 meters buried underground. Historically, atop the column likely stood a statue, possibly of the emperor himself, increasing the structure’s height to around 51.95 meters.
The column is hollow, housing a spiral staircase leading to an upper viewing platform. Though access to the interior is currently restricted, it was initially accessible through a doorway on the Via del Corso side. Historians speculate that a temple dedicated to the deified emperor and empress once stood nearby.
Relief Carvings Featured On the Column
The Marcus Aurelius column features 21 spirals of relief carvings, each approximately 130 centimeters in height, depicting Marcus Aurelius’ military campaigns against the Quadi along the Danube between 172 and 175 CE. These intricate carvings narrate the emperor’s victories, including crossings of the Danube, battles with the Marcomanni and Sarmatians, and scenes of troops in action.
Carved in a style characteristic of Late Antiquity, the reliefs emphasize frontal views with perspective achieved through proportional distortion.
Historical Significance of the Column of Marcus Aurelius
The column of Marcus Aurelius, also known as the “Columna Centenaria” due to its 100 Roman feet in height, served as visual proof of Roman military prowess and imperial power. It commemorated Marcus Aurelius’ successes in war and reinforced the legitimacy of subsequent rulers.
Over time, the column underwent various alterations and repairs, including a restoration by Pope Sixtus V in 1589 CE, which saw the addition of a bronze statue of St. Paul.
Today, the Marcus Aurelius column remains one of Rome’s most well-preserved triumphal columns, offering valuable insights into Roman military tactics and artistic expression. Its reliefs, depicting over 2,000 figures, provide a vivid portrayal of ancient warfare and help bring ancient Rome to life, so that the likes of me and you get to imagine how it might have once looked.
Sources:
Claridge, A. (2010). Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford University Press.
External links:
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/647/the-column-of-marcus-aurelius/