Colonna
Discovering the Column of Marcus Aurelius
Hello friends,
Today I want to talk to you about the Column of Marcus Aurelius, a famous ancient monument in Rome dating back to the period between 176 and 192 AD. This column was built to celebrate the great victories of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius over the Marcomanni, Sarmatians and Quadi, who lived in the northern area of the middle course of the Danube, during the Marcomannic Wars.
History of the column
The column, 29,617 meters high including its base, is still in its original location and is situated in Piazza Colonna. The monument is covered with bas-reliefs and was inspired by the Trajan's Column. If unfolded, the sculptural frieze that spirals around the shaft would exceed 110 meters in length.
The column was commissioned by Marcus Aurelius' son, Commodus, during his reign as emperor (180-192). Eight of its panels were confiscated to decorate the attic of the Arch of Constantine, while three panels adorned the Capitoline Museums, which were initially destined to decorate some official monument, perhaps an triumphal arch.
The base of the Column of Marcus Aurelius was decorated with a series of bas-reliefs that were destroyed during the renovation ordered by Pope Sixtus V and carried out by Domenico Fontana. The base was replaced with an inscription containing an incorrect dedication to Antoninus Pius. At the top of the column, there was a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius that was destroyed in the Middle Ages.
The Column of Marcus Aurelius was erected on the basis of the Trajan's Column, although its depicted scenes are not in chronological order. The events depicted are uncertain, but it is believed that they represent the military campaigns that took place from 168 to 172 in the first part of the column and from 173 to 174 in the second part.
In 1589, Pope Sixtus V had the column restored by Domenico Fontana. With this restoration, part of the friezes on the base was destroyed and replaced with an inscription that mistakenly attributed the column to Antoninus Pius. Furthermore, on top of the column, a bronze statue of Saint Paul was placed.
The Column of Marcus Aurelius suffered a twist following the strong earthquakes of 847 and 849 AD, as can be seen from some displaced drums. The earthquake caused the collapse of most of the southern area of the Colosseum, which was resting on unstable ground. Additionally, 849 was also the year in which Augustus' Sundial or Solar Clock - now known as the Obelisk of Montecitorio - probably fell, which is not in the same place as the ancient sundial.
Conclusions
The Column of Marcus Aurelius is a unique work of art that represents the victory of the ancient Romans over the populations of the north of the Danube. Although less refined than Trajan's Column, the Column of Marcus Aurelius is a significant symbol of the greatness and power of the Roman Empire, a cultural heritage that has stood the test of time. If you have the chance, I recommend visiting this monument and admiring the beauty of its sculptural details. You won't regret it!
