What was the last imperial forum built in ancient Rome?

Trajan's Forum was the final and grandest of the Imperial fora constructed in ancient Rome, overseen by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus. It served as a monumental complex that shifted much of the city's political and administrative life away from the traditional Roman Forum. The site incorporated magnificent structures, including the Basilica Ulpia, Trajan's Column, and the Ulpian Library.

What we know

• Trajan's Forum was the last of the Imperial fora to be constructed in ancient Rome. [1, 2]
• The construction of the forum was overseen by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus. [1, 2]
• The Basilica Ulpia, located within the forum, was dedicated to the administration of justice and commerce rather than religious functions. [5]
• Trajan's Column stands within the forum and was originally flanked by the Greek and Latin chambers of the Ulpian Library. [3]

Still open

• While traditionally thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall, some arcades in Trajan's Market are now believed by many to have served as administrative offices for Emperor Trajan.

Where to go next

• whoWho was Apollodorus of Damascus?
• how we knowWhat was the purpose of Trajan's Column?
• a case in pointHow did the Basilica Ulpia function?
• what followedWhat can be found in Trajan's Market?
• the bigger pictureWhat are the Imperial fora of Rome?
• an unexpected connectionHow did a pagan emperor's victory column end up bearing a Christian saint?Although Trajan's Column was originally built to commemorate a pagan Roman emperor's military victory over the Dacians, its summit statue was eventually replaced by Pope Sixtus V in 1587 with a bronze figure of Saint Peter.

Sources

• [1]Trajan's Forum (Wikidata Q211295) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Trajan's Forum · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Trajan's Column · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Trajan's Market · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Basilica Ulpia · CC BY-SA 4.0