Trajan’s Forum
The complex was created in 106 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus, the most famous architect of the era. The complex was created between 107 and 113 AD and required the leveling of a forty meter high hill. Several streets and many buildings, some of which were quite significant, had to make way for the ambitious project.
At the time the forum was seen as one of the architectural wonders of the world. It was easily the grandest of all the forums and its size alone was impressive, measuring 300 meters long and 185 meters wide (approx. 1000x600 ft).
Courtyard and Basilica Ulpia
The main entrance to the Forum of Trajan led to a large courtyard flanked by two colonnaded porticos. Behind the porticos, which were decorated with numerous statues, were two exedras. At the center of the enclosed courtyard stood an enormous equestrian statue; estimations lead us to believe it was three times as large as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on the Capitoline Square.
To the north the courtyard was bordered by the Basilica Ulpia, an imposing basilica named after Trajan's second name. The colossal structure had five naves, divided by colonnades and featured a coffered ceiling. Its hall was lavishly decorated with precious metals, reliefs and a colorful marble floor with geometric patterns. To get an idea of its size, pay a visit to San Paolo fuori le Mura - Rome's second largest church, which has similar dimensions.
Trajan's Column
Behind the Basilica Ulpia was a small courtyard, bordered by two libraries: one Greek and one Latin. The magnificent Column of Trajan was erected at the center of the courtyard to commemorate the victory of Trajan over the Dacians. The column, one of the best preserved ancient monuments, is embellished with a spiraling frieze on which bas-reliefs recount the story of the conquest of Dacia. The column's height marked the top of the hill that was leveled to make way for the forum.
Trajan's Markets
Trajan's favorite architect Apollodorus also designed the Markets of Trajan, a six stories high complex with shops, offices and depots. It was the equivalent of a modern shopping center, unequalled at the time.