Column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome: history, photo and map

The monumental column of Marcus Aurelius is one of the best preserved echoes of ancient Rome in the center of the Italian capital. It was erected at the end of the 2nd century AD to commemorate the emperor’s victories in the Markoman War, and today it adorns the Column Square named after her.

The total height of the column is almost 42 meters, which makes it the highest in Rome, despite the fact that at the end of the 16th century it was noticeably deepened into the ground for stability.

The structure of the column of Marcus Aurelius resembles the earlier column of Trajan, installed on the forum of the same name, however, in this case, the reliefs are worked out deeper, providing bright contrast of images on a sunny day.

Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna in Rome

The key episode in the plot of the column is an event known in the religious community as the "miracle of the rain." According to legend, the most difficult campaigns of Marcus Aurelius were battles with tongues and quads.

After successful victories, the emperor was so inspired that he went on to conquer the lands of the Quads. However, he miscalculated and was surrounded. The incredibly hot summers and lack of access to water made the many thousands of Roman army simply languish from thirst.

Then the emperor decided to call for prayer the whole XII legion. The gods heard a torrential downpour began, and the perked army was able to defeat the enemy.

At the top of the column was originally installed the figure of the victorious emperor, but it was lost and at the end of the 16th century was replaced by a sculpture of the Apostle Paul.

This text about the Column of Marcus Aurelius is one of the 60 points of the audio guide in the center of Rome for the iPhone link released by BlogoItaliano in 2019.

It is not available in the trial free version, but is available in a full audio tour of the most popular itinerary worth 5 Euros. You can learn more about the audio guide and how it can help you save on sightseeing tours in Rome on this page.

Photo by Luchi78

Watch the video: Column of Marcus Aurelius, Rome HD (December 2024).

Category Italy for everyone, Next Article

Palermo

History of Palermo

The history of Palermo (Palermo) has 28 centuries. Over this enormous period of time, the main city of Sicily knew many rulers, experienced times of prosperity and decline. Modern Palermo is full of vivid colors, contradictions and sights, such a rich history of past centuries has made it.

Palermo

Monster Villa in Bagheria

The Italian town of Bagheria (Bagheria), where representatives of the nobility from Palermo often used to gather, keeps an amazing secret. In the center of Bagheria, surrounded by a stream of cars and facades of modern buildings, lies the villa Palagonia, which Goethe once called the "madhouse".

Palermo

Palermo Cathedral

The cathedral, called the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cattedrale di Palermo or Cattedrale Metropolitana della Santa Vergine Maria Assunta) is a unique building of the Middle Ages. It stands out among other complexes with beauty, a mixture of styles of different times and religions. Outside and inside, the cathedral is a real work of art, which was worked by Arab, Spanish, German architects, sculptors and artists.

Palermo

The most beautiful churches in Palermo

Palermo - the oldest port of the Mediterranean Sea on the island of Sicily, from the time it was founded, different peoples have conquered it more than once. Each ethnos brought its cultural and religious features to the city. Today, 295 parishes operate in Palermo, of which the following churches are most popular with tourists: the Cathedral, La Martorana, the Palatine Chapel, San Caldo.