Victory Monument

myminifactory

Human: Two stone blocks were unearthed during excavations in 1980 and surprisingly fitted together perfectly, forming a massive pillar-shaped monument that served as a central feature dating back to Roman times. The reliefs depicted powerful emperors, triumphant military victories, and revered gods, all symbolizing unyielding power. Originally, the pillar comprised at least four blocks stacked on top of each other, reaching an impressive height of over 3.5 meters. The entire structure likely towered even higher, with a sturdy base at its foundation and a majestic crown atop it. On each side, three reliefs were meticulously divided, while those in the middle remained incomplete. Unfortunately, only a quarter of both lower and upper reliefs have survived to this day. One of the remaining mid-reliefs vividly showcases Tiberius, stepson and successor to Roman Emperor Augustus, as he pours an offering to the gods by carefully tipping a bowl of wine onto an altar in their honor. The skilled sculptor has cleverly abbreviated his name: Tib (e) r (ius) C (ae) sar. Meanwhile, Victoria, the goddess of victory, proudly holds a laurel wreath over his head, although it remains unclear which military triumph is being celebrated. Some theories suggest it might be linked to Tiberius' triumphant procession that solidified Rome's dominance in 12 AD. Notably, various deities are present, including Apollo, Diana, Ceres, and Bacchus, all of whom appear to bless the Imperial House with their divine power. Despite extensive research, the original location of the monument remains unknown, but it is believed not to have been far from its current site in Nijmegen. In 2005, a replica was created to commemorate the city's 2000th anniversary, paying homage to this ancient Roman relic.