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Trajan's Markets were considered
already in ancient times as one of the wonders in the
classical world; today they show us only a small part
of their splendour. In the II century Apollodoro from
Damascus designed for Trajan, the great set that included
150 premises used as shops. The set is situated between
Trajan's forum and the slopes of Quirinal Hill, exactly
in the point where the cut of the hill was made, in
consecutive terraces; and where the Markets are situated.
The total height of the cut of the hill corresponds
to the Trajan's Column height. The façade of the Trajan's
Markets is built as a big exedra, and at its sides two
big semicircular halls are situated, probably used as
schools or auditoriums.
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The most important part of the Markets
is the Hall building, covered with six cross vaults; it
can be considered the first covered trade center in history.
The column, erected inside the Trajan's forum, represents
the monument of the Dacha war won by the Romans in 105
A. D. After nineteen centuries it was brought to the ancient
splendour through exacting and accurate restorations.
The column is formed by 19 marble blocks, and a winding
staircase leads to the top. The most important part of
this historical monument is the set of figures that border
it documenting arts and customs of Romans and Dachans,
and the story of the fights between the two peoples. On
its top the Trajan's statue was replaced during the Reanassaince
with the one representing San Peter. |
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