Relief: Heads of Roman Soldiers, Dacians, and Partians

myminifactory

Trajan's Column stands proudly in Rome, Italy, as a testament to Roman emperor Trajan's triumph over the Dacians in the Dacian Wars. Constructed under the watchful eye of architect Apollodorus of Damascus at the behest of the Roman Senate, this monumental column was likely completed around AD 113. Situated in Trajan's Forum near the Quirinal Hill, north of the bustling Roman Forum, it is renowned for its awe-inspiring spiral bas relief that vividly recounts the epic battles between Romans and Dacians (101-102 and 105-106). The relief masterfully depicts two successful military campaigns waged by Trajan against the Dacians. While scenes of intense combat are relatively scarce on the column, it focuses instead on images of disciplined soldiers executing ceremonies and construction with precision. The relief presents a diverse array of soldiers, highlighting their unique characteristics. It also features the heads of Dacian warriors and Partians, as well as the head of a river god, symbolizing the Danube River. In recent centuries, plaster casts of the relief were taken to preserve its intricate details. After years of exposure to acid pollution, these casts now offer a clearer view of certain aspects than the original column itself. Furthermore, their display provides students with an opportunity to study the reliefs up close, offering a more intimate experience than visiting the column in situ.