The Column Of Trajan Was Built With

Trajan's Column, a towering monument in the heart of Rome, stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess and a remarkable historical record of Trajan's military campaigns in Dacia (modern-day Romania). The question of what materials were used to construct this iconic column is central to understanding its enduring presence and the sophistication of Roman construction techniques.

The Core Materials of Trajan's Column

The primary materials used in the construction of Trajan's Column are Luna marble for the column itself and Travertine stone for the foundation. These materials were chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and availability within the Roman Empire.

Luna Marble: The Column's Elegant Exterior

Luna marble, also known as Carrara marble today, was the material of choice for the column drums and the detailed sculptural reliefs that spiral around its shaft. This marble, quarried from the Apuan Alps near present-day Carrara, Italy, was prized for its pure white color and fine grain, making it ideal for carving intricate details. The use of Luna marble signified imperial grandeur and contributed to the column's visual impact.

Properties of Luna Marble

• Appearance: Characterized by its pristine white color, sometimes with subtle gray veining. Its uniform appearance lends itself well to large-scale architectural projects.
• Workability: Luna marble is relatively soft and easy to carve when freshly quarried, allowing Roman sculptors to create highly detailed reliefs.
• Durability: While not as hard as some other types of stone, Luna marble is sufficiently durable to withstand the elements and the passage of time, as evidenced by the column's survival for nearly two millennia.
• Prestige: The use of Luna marble was a statement of wealth and power, as it was one of the most expensive and sought-after building materials in the Roman Empire.

Travertine Stone: The Column's Solid Foundation

Travertine formed the robust foundation of Trajan's Column. This type of limestone, quarried from deposits near Tivoli (ancient Tibur), east of Rome, was a common building material in ancient Rome, known for its strength and porous nature. The use of Travertine ensured a stable base for the towering marble structure.

Properties of Travertine

• Appearance: Travertine typically has a light cream or beige color with distinctive pores and natural cavities, giving it a textured appearance.
• Strength: Travertine is a strong and dense stone, capable of supporting heavy loads.
• Workability: Travertine is relatively easy to cut and shape, making it a practical choice for constructing foundations and other structural elements.
• Porosity: The porous nature of Travertine allows it to absorb water, which can be both an advantage (for drainage) and a disadvantage (leading to potential weathering over time). However, the Romans were adept at using techniques to mitigate the negative effects of porosity.
• Availability: Travertine was readily available near Rome, reducing transportation costs and logistical challenges.

Construction Techniques and Additional Materials

Beyond the primary materials of Luna marble and Travertine, the construction of Trajan's Column involved a range of other materials and sophisticated techniques.

Mortar

Mortar, a mixture of lime, sand, and water, was used to bind the Travertine blocks of the foundation and to level and set the marble drums of the column shaft. Roman mortar was known for its exceptional strength and durability, thanks to the use of pozzolana, a volcanic ash that acted as a hydraulic setting agent, allowing the mortar to harden even in wet conditions.

Iron Clamps

Iron clamps were used to join the marble drums together and to secure the bronze elements of the column, such as the gilded bronze statue of Trajan that originally topped the monument. These clamps were carefully fitted into pre-cut channels in the marble and then secured with molten lead to prevent corrosion.

Lead

Lead was used extensively in the construction of Trajan's Column, primarily to secure the iron clamps and to seal the joints between the marble drums. Molten lead was poured into the channels around the iron clamps, creating a strong and corrosion-resistant bond. Lead was also used to create waterproof seals in other parts of the structure.

Wood

Wood was used for scaffolding, cranes, and other temporary structures during the construction of the column. Roman engineers were skilled at designing and building complex wooden machines to lift and position heavy blocks of stone.

The Construction Process

The construction of Trajan's Column was a monumental undertaking that required careful planning, skilled labor, and sophisticated engineering techniques. The process can be broken down into several key stages:

Quarrying and Transportation

1. Quarrying Luna Marble: The process began with the quarrying of Luna marble from the Apuan Alps. Skilled quarrymen used a combination of wedges, levers, and saws to extract large blocks of marble from the mountainside.
2. Shaping the Drums: Once the marble blocks were extracted, they were transported to workshops where they wereRoughly shaped into cylindrical drums. The drums were carefully measured and cut to ensure they would fit together precisely.
3. Transporting the Drums: Transporting the massive marble drums to Rome was a logistical challenge. The drums were likely transported by sea whenever possible, and then hauled overland using sledges, rollers, and teams of oxen or slaves.
4. Quarrying Travertine: Travertine was quarried near Tivoli and transported to Rome using similar methods.

Foundation Construction

1. Preparing the Site: The site for Trajan's Column was carefully prepared by leveling the ground and excavating a deep foundation pit.
2. Laying the Foundation: The foundation was constructed using massive blocks of Travertine stone, carefully fitted together and bonded with mortar. The foundation was designed to distribute the weight of the column evenly and to provide a stable base.

Column Erection

1. Lifting the Drums: The marble drums were lifted into place using a combination of cranes, pulleys, and scaffolding. Roman engineers were adept at designing and building complex lifting machines capable of handling extremely heavy loads.
2. Positioning the Drums: The drums were carefully positioned on top of each other, with mortar used to level and secure them. Iron clamps were inserted into pre-cut channels to further strengthen the joints.
3. Carving the Reliefs: Once the column shaft was erected, sculptors began carving the intricate reliefs that depict Trajan's military campaigns in Dacia. The reliefs were carved directly onto the marble surface, with each scene carefully planned and executed.
4. Adding the Capital and Statue: The column was topped with a Doric capital and a gilded bronze statue of Trajan. The statue has since been lost and was replaced with a statue of Saint Peter in the 16th century.

Finishing Touches

1. Polishing the Marble: The marble surface of the column was carefully polished to enhance its appearance and protect it from the elements.
2. Adding Color: Traces of paint have been found on the reliefs, suggesting that the column was originally painted in vibrant colors to enhance the details of the scenes.
3. Constructing the Base: The base of the column was decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions, including a dedication to Trajan and a description of the column's purpose.

The Purpose and Significance of Trajan's Column

Trajan's Column served multiple purposes:

• Monument to Victory: The primary purpose of the column was to commemorate Trajan's victories in the Dacian Wars. The spiral reliefs depict scenes from the campaigns, providing a visual record of the Roman army's achievements.
• Trajan's Mausoleum: The base of the column was designed to house Trajan's ashes, making it a mausoleum as well as a monument.
• Engineering Achievement: The column was a testament to Roman engineering skill and a symbol of Roman power and prestige.
• Artistic Masterpiece: The column is considered one of the finest examples of Roman art and a masterpiece of sculptural relief.
• Observation Point: The interior spiral staircase allowed visitors to ascend to the top of the column and enjoy panoramic views of Rome.

The Enduring Legacy of Trajan's Column

Trajan's Column remains one of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Its enduring legacy is due to several factors:

• High-Quality Materials: The use of durable materials such as Luna marble and Travertine has allowed the column to withstand the elements for nearly two millennia.
• Skilled Construction: The column was built using sophisticated engineering techniques and skilled craftsmanship, ensuring its structural integrity.
• Historical Significance: The column provides a valuable historical record of Trajan's military campaigns and Roman military tactics.
• Artistic Value: The column is a masterpiece of Roman art and a testament to the skill of Roman sculptors.
• Symbolic Power: The column remains a powerful symbol of Roman power, engineering prowess, and artistic achievement.

Conservation and Preservation

Despite its remarkable state of preservation, Trajan's Column faces ongoing threats from pollution, weathering, and tourism. Efforts to conserve and preserve the column include:

• Cleaning: The column is periodically cleaned to remove dirt and pollutants that can damage the marble surface.
• Repairing Cracks: Cracks and other damage to the marble are carefully repaired using techniques that are compatible with the original materials.
• Monitoring: The column is constantly monitored for signs of deterioration, allowing conservators to address potential problems before they become serious.
• Controlling Access: Access to the column is carefully controlled to minimize the impact of tourism on the structure.

Conclusion

Trajan's Column stands as a remarkable achievement of Roman engineering, art, and historical commemoration. Its construction involved a sophisticated understanding of materials, engineering techniques, and artistic principles. The careful selection of materials, including Luna marble for its sculptural beauty and Travertine for its robust foundation, ensured the column's enduring presence. The legacy of Trajan's Column continues to inspire awe and admiration, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Roman Empire.