TRAJAN'S COLUMN, a column erected in ancient Rome to commemorate the reign of Trajan. It
was ordered by the senate, completed in 114 A. D., and still stands erect in its ancient
beauty. The location of the column is in the midst of the ruins of the Forum of Trajan, a group of
public buildings that occupy the space between the Capitoline and Quirinal hills. It is
100 feet high and originally was crowned with the statue of Trajan, but Pope Sixtus V.
replaced it with one of Saint Peter. The reliefs are chiefly scenes in the triumphs of
Trajan over the Dacians, but in addition include records of ancient costumes and military.
operations.
