When was Trajan's Forum inaugurated?
Official records known as the Fasti Ostienses state the complex was inaugurated in 112. A tall column dedicated to the emperor followed shortly after its completion in 113.
Official records known as the Fasti Ostienses state the complex was inaugurated in 112. A tall column dedicated to the emperor followed shortly after its completion in 113.
Work began sometime between 105 and 107 under the direction of Apollodorus of Damascus. This architect had accompanied Trajan during the military campaign that generated the necessary wealth.
Over 300,000 cubic meters of soil and rock were excavated from the site to connect the Quirinal and Capitoline Hills. This material was dumped outside the Porta Collina gate to clear space for the new buildings.
Workers systematically removed marble cobble blocks from the piazza floor to reuse the good quality lime found within these stones to build other structures. Concrete replaced the original paving showing the space remained in use as a public area.
The arch forming the entrance was demolished in 1526 by Rome's Commissioners of Streets. Conservatore Francesco Cenci submitted a report seeking redress for this destruction to municipal government officials.