A Towering Tribute to Imperial Glory
Rising from the Heart of Eternal Rome
In the vast expanse of Rome’s Piazza Colonna rises a magnificent symbol of ancient glory: the enigmatic Column of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina. Built by Commodus around 180 CE, this monumental structure honors his esteemed parents and draws inspiration from the famous Trajan’s Column. Adorned with detailed carvings that vividly illustrate the emperor’s victorious military campaigns against the Quadi along the Danube River, the column stands 39 meters tall, with an additional 7 meters of its base yet to be excavated.
A Spiral Staircase to the Past
Within the hollow core of the column lies an ingeniously crafted spiral staircase, providing access to an upper viewing platform. While the doorway on the Via del Corso side is currently closed to the public, historians believe that an ancient temple dedicated to the deified emperor and his empress once graced the vicinity, further enhancing the site’s significance.
A Canvas of Conquests and Artistry
Spiraling Tales of Warfare and Logistics
The Doric column features 21 spirals, each standing at an impressive 130 centimeters tall, embellished with intricate relief carvings. These vivid scenes depict the military campaigns of Marcus Aurelius, highlighting encounters with the Marcomanni from 172-173 CE and conflicts with the Sarmatians in 174-175 CE. Interwoven with the intense battle scenes are representations of the logistical and engineering achievements that defined Roman warfare, such as troops crossing pontoon bridges.
A Fusion of Artistic Styles
The relief carvings exemplify the characteristic style that would come to dominate Late Antiquity sculpture. Frontal views and distorted proportions, with larger heads and elongated or shortened bodies, underscore the minimized facial features. Plaster casts of these remarkable reliefs can be found at the Museo della Civiltà Romana in Rome, offering a glimpse into the artistic mastery of the era.
A Monument Weathered by Time and Intervention
The Ravages of Nature and Human Intervention
Over the centuries, the column has endured the ravages of weather and the changing whims of humanity. The high relief of the carved scenes made them more susceptible to weathering, while lightning strikes and earthquakes further compromised the structure’s integrity. During the Middle Ages, the removal of valuable pins that held the drums of the column in place caused significant shifts in its alignment.
Restoration and Reconfiguration
Pope Sixtus V’s restoration in 1589 CE saw the reconfiguration of the pedestal to accommodate changes in ground level, and the placement of a bronze statue of St. Paul atop the column. However, sculptures depicting conquered barbarians and Victories, originally projecting from the column, were completely removed. These alterations, along with repairs made to damaged areas using grey Proconnesian marble, stand as visible reminders of the column’s enduring yet altered state, a testament to Roman militarism and the vanity of human endeavors.
