The Roads of Trajan's Markets

 

Out of the 16 students eagerly walking through the market of Trajan only one of them was looking towards the ground at the road, that was me.... Hi.


It was June 12th, and I was yet to present about Trajan's column that awaited me beyond the gates of the market. Did I also mention that I was sick with a nasty cold? It was a day full of pre-performance anxiety and snot. Something that the roads of Trajan's market and I had in common that day is that we both looked battered and weathered. 

Photo of the roads in Trajan's market. Jake G.

As you can see, the pavement has cracks on the solid pieces of stone themselves. Regardless, this is still remarkably durable to last 1918 years since their construction began in 106CE (Julian Bennett, 148). Trajan's market was one of the grand public buildings constructed in his forum after the second Dacian war. This was due to the vast amount of wealth he took as the spoils of war and put it to use to ensure that his wars with Dacia were justifiable in the eyes of the people and potential adversaries who would be glad to paint him as a mindless conqueror (Penelope J.E Davies, 62).

Winding streets of Trajan's markets. By Jake G.

Regardless of some wear and tear due to two millennia of being exposed to the elements, these roads hold up exceptionally well. Trajan's markets were designed to be accessible by two main streets which would facilitate movement across this massive trade complex (Julian Bennett, 158).  I find the winding style of streets to be particularly interesting since I know from experience that paving winding roads with modern technology is a challenge, I cannot imagine the types of techniques that went into keeping a winding road consistent with width and curvature.

The roads of Trajan's Markets are very impressive to me. They withstood the test of time, and they show off great city planning, and road building techniques.

My day at the forum of Trajan was a day I will never forget. 



Me at Trajan's Column after my presentation.


Bibliography

Bennett, Julian, Trajan Optimus Princeps: A Life and Times. London: Routledge, 1997.

Davies, Penelope J.E. “The Politics of Perpetuation: Trajan’s Column and the Art of Commemoration.” American Journal of Archaeology 101. (1997): 41-65.





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