 Trajan's Market, 2022 | |
   Trajan's Market Shown within Rome | |
 Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Location | Trajan's Forum |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°53′44″N12°29′10″E / 41.89561°N 12.48619°E /41.89561; 12.48619 |
| History | |
| Builder | Apollodorus of Damascus |
| Founded | AD 100~110 |
Trajan's Market (Latin:Mercatus Traiani;Italian:Mercati di Traiano) is a large complex ofruins in the city ofRome, Italy, located on theVia dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end to theColosseum. The surviving buildings and structures, built as an integral part ofTrajan's Forum and nestled against the excavated flank of theQuirinal Hill, present a living model of life in the Roman capital and a glimpse at therestoration in the city, which reveals new treasures and insights aboutancient Roman architecture.[1][2][3][4]
Thought to be the world's oldestshopping mall, the arcades in Trajan's Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure and it is still possible to visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library.[5]
Trajan's Market was probably built between 100–110AD byApollodorus of Damascus,[1] anarchitect who always followedTrajan in his adventures and to whom Trajan entrusted the planning of his Forum.[2][6] It was inaugurated in 113 AD.[7] During theMiddle Ages the complex was transformed by adding floor levels, still visible today, and defensive elements such as theTorre delle Milizie, the "militia tower" built in 1300. Aconvent, which was built in this area in the 16th century was acquired by the state in 1885 and became the Goffredo Mameli barracks.[8] This was demolished at the beginning of the twentieth century to restore Trajan's Markets.
The Museum of theImperial Fora (Italian:Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which opened in 2007, houses a wealth of artifacts from all of ancient Rome's forums. The modern entrances to Trajan's Market are at Via Quattro Novembre, 94,[9] and Piazza Madonna di Loreto.[7] Immediately, the visitor enters into a shopping area, disposed on two different sides, wherefree wheat was once distributed to the people of Rome.[5]
At the end of this hall, a largebalcony offers a view of the markets,Trajan's Forum, and theVittoriano. This is actually a part of the Via Biberatica (from the Latinbibo, bibere meaning "to drink"; the street was the location for several of the Romantaverns and grocers' shops in the area). The road cuts through Trajan's Market.[5]
On the lower part there are also two large halls, probably used forauditions orconcerts. A shop housed in the Market is known as ataberna. The giantexedra formed by the market structure was originally mirrored by a matching exedral boundary space on the south flank of Trajan's Forum.
The grand hall of the market is roofed by a concretevault raised on piers, both covering and allowing air and light into the central space. The market itself is constructed primarily out of brick and concrete.[6]
| External videos | |
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 | |
 Markets of Trajan,Smarthistory atKhan Academy, (3:54), December 4, 2014 |
Media related toTrajan's Market at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Porticus Aemilia | Landmarks of Rome Trajan's Market | Succeeded by Casal Rotondo |
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