🇮🇹
Italy
Trajan's Market
Trajan's Market, located in Rome, Italy, is a sprawling complex of ruins that provide a fascinating snapshot of Roman life and commerce. Constructed by Emperor Trajan's favorite architect, Apollodorus of Damascus, around 107-110 AD, it was an integral part of Trajan’s Forum and represents one of the earliest shopping mall structures in the world.
The market, situated on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end to the Colosseum, was a multi-level commercial complex. It is constructed primarily from brick and concrete, embodying the architectural grandeur of ancient Rome. The facade, stretching approximately 300 meters, is a multi-story arcaded structure that once housed about 150 shops and offices.
The exterior of Trajan's Market is a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Romans. The structure is nestled against Quirinal Hill, with the hill’s bedrock incorporated into the market's design. The market's terraces, built into the hillside, provide a panoramic view of the city. The semi-circular facade of the market, punctuated with windows and entrances, adds to its grandeur.
Inside, the market is a labyrinth of shops, offices, and storage spaces. It is divided into six main levels with a network of vaulted corridors and intimate spaces. The Great Hall, a two-story structure, forms the centerpiece of the market. Its high ceiling, large windows, and central nave flanked by side aisles mirrors the design of a basilica – a common feature in Roman public architecture.
The lower levels were primarily used for shops while the upper levels served as offices for administrators. The shops sold a variety of goods, from food and spices to clothes and slaves. Trajan’s Market also housed Trajan’s Library, which included Greek and Latin sections, a novelty at that time.
Notably, Trajan's Market is home to the Museum of the Imperial Forums, which provides a comprehensive history of the various imperial forums. The museum, located on the upper floors, houses a collection of sculptures, frescoes, and architectural fragments from the time of Augustus to the early Middle Ages.
Today, Trajan's Market is a testimony to Rome's historic past, drawing tourists from around the world. Its innovative design, with its blend of commercial and administrative spaces, has influenced modern architecture, proving that the Romans were truly ahead of their time.
In all, Trajan's Market is more than a historic monument. It's a mirror to the past, a testament to Rome's architectural ingenuity, and a symbol of the city's vibrant history.