Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum), Rome

Emperor Trajan, who reigned from 98 to 117 AD, is best known for his military conquests. Prime among them were the Dacian Wars, resulting in the annexation of Dacia (which is modern-day Romania) and expanding the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. Trajan's successful campaigns brought immense wealth to Rome, notably in the form of Dacian gold, which funded various public works.

Beyond military achievements, Trajan was admired for his relatively fair and just governance, implementing social programs such as the Alimenta, a welfare program for orphaned children and poor families. His reign is often seen as a high point in Roman history, marked by prosperity, effective leadership, and the expansion of the empire.

Trajan is also celebrated for his significant contributions to Roman architecture, including the construction of Trajan's Forum in 113 AD. Set to commemorate Trajan's military victories, particularly the conquest of Dacia, the forum was part of a larger complex that featured a vast, portico-lined square measuring 300 by 185 meters, enclosed by tall tuff walls clad in marble. The main entrance at the south end had a triumphal arch celebrating the Dacian Wars. The arch was adorned with friezes and statues depicting Dacian prisoners.

The forum's open space was paved in Carrara marble and connected to the Forum of Augustus. Key structures therein included Trajan's Market, the Basilica Ulpia, one Latin library and one Greek library, and Trajan鈥檚 Column.

Today, the forum is one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient Roman sites. Although mostly in ruins, visitors can still see the iconic Trajan鈥檚 Column standing 30 meters tall, covered in a continuous frieze depicting scenes from the Dacian Wars. Also, don't miss the ruins of Trajan's Market. This structure 鈥� a series of multi-level buildings that once housed administrative offices and retail spaces 鈥� is often referred to as the world鈥檚 oldest shopping mall.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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