Post No. 41. The column of Marcus Aurelius is a Roman victory column in Piazza Colonna, Rome , Italy
In terms of Topography of ancient Rome temple of Hadrian and the temple of Marcus Aurelius
The column’s shaft is 29.62 meters (97.2 ft) high, on a ca. 10.1 meters (33 ft) high base, which in turn originally stood on 3 meters (9.8 ft) high platform.- the column in total is 39.72 meters (130.3 ft).
The columns consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara
The spiral picture relief tells the story of Marcus Aurelius’s Danubian or Marcomannic wars, waged by him from 166 to his death. The story begins with the army crossing the river Danube , probably at Carnuntum. A Victory separates the accounts of two expeditions. The exact chronology of the events is disputed, however, the latest theory states that the expeditions against the Marcomanni and Quadi in the years 172 and 173 are in the lower half and the successes of the emperor over the Sarmatians in the years 174 and 175 in the upper half. One particular episode portrayed is historically attested in Roman propaganda- the so-called “rain miracle in the territory of the Quadi” in which a god, answering a prayer from the emperor, rescues Roman troops by a terrible storm, a miracle later claimed by the Christians for the Christian God.
In spite of many similarities to Trajan’s column, the style is entirely different, a forerunner of the dramatic style of the 3rd century and closely related to the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus, erected soon after. The figures’ heads are disproportionately large so that the viewer can better interpret their facial expressions. The images are carved less finely than at Trajan’s Column through drilling holes more deeply into the stone, so that they stand out better in a contrast of light and dark. As villages are burned down, women and children are captured and displaced, men are killed, the emotion, despair, and the suffering of the ‘barbarians’ in the war, are represented acutely in single scenes and in the figures’ facial expressions and gestures, whilst the emperor is represented as the protagonist, in control of his environment.
The symbolic language is altogether clearer and more expressive, if clumsier at first sight, and leaves a wholly different impression on the viewer to the whole artistic style of 100 to 150 as on Trajan’s column. There, cool and sober balance – here, drama and empathy. The pictorial language is unambiguous- imperial dominance and authority is emphasized, and its leadership is justified. Overall, it is an anticipation of the development of artistic style into late antiquity, and first artistic expression of the crisis of the Roman empire that would worsen in the 3rd century.” ( Wikipedia)
“The column consists of 26 drums made of Luna marble with a low interior and stairs that lead up to the top. Sculptures in high relief spiral around column 21 times, presenting 116 scenes depicting Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns against Germanic tribes threatening the Danube frontier. In contrast to the scenes on the Column of Trajan, which emphasize the theme of conquest, Those on the column of Marcus focus on the destruction of the enemy.
Perhaps the most famous of the panels is scene XVI. It depicts how the Roman army, surrounded by Quadi and ‘in a terrible plight from fatigue, wounds, the heat of the sun, and thirst (Dio 72[71]. 8.3), was saved and the enemy destroyed thanks to a “Rain Miracle.” This panel gives the official Roman interpretation: Heaven had intervened on the Roman side. The miraculous deluge is personified on the column as an ancient god of colossal size from whose locks and outstretched arms rain pours down onto the battlefield.” (Museum of Antiquities , University of Saskatchewan
“The column was often called the ‘Centenaria’ by locals which referred to the height of the column, immediate base, and capital, which together measured 100 Roman feet (29.6 meters). This is mentioned in the inscription on the column base. Adrastus, a freedman, had actually requested in 193 CE that a hut be built near the column so that he could better fulfill his role as guardian. The request was granted and the hut built on public land suitably nearby.
Over the centuries the column has suffered, like most ancient monuments, the ravages, not only of weather but also the changing of human needs and tastes. The scenes on the column were carved in much higher relief than on Trajan’s Column and have consequently deteriorated much more due to weathering. The column has also suffered lightning strikes and earthquakes but, even worse, in the Middle Ages the valuable pins which held the various drums of the column in position were removed and consequently several have shifted dramatically over time.
The column was restored by Pope Sixtus the Fifth in 1589 CE as inscriptions on each side of the base relate. The pedestal was re-formed to account for the change in ground level and a bronze statue was also put back on the top of the column, although, this time, one of St. Paul. Some of the ‘restoration’ work was more questionable. There were originally, for example, sculptures projecting from the column about halfway up in four directions.
These sculptures depicted conquered barbarians surrendering to Marcus Aurelius and three Victories with garlands, however, they were removed completely from the structure and they survive only in Renaissance-period drawings. These alterations and other repairs to damaged areas can be clearly seen today as they were filled with grey Proconnesian marble which contrasts starkly with the original fine white marble of this lasting monument to Roman militarism and vanity.” (Ancient History Encyclopedia.) Tags: History, Architecture, Communication, Travel, Song, Roman Empire, Video.
These sculptures depicted conquered barbarians surrendering to Marcus Aurelius and three Victories with garlands, however, they were removed completely from the structure and they survive only in Renaissance-period drawings. These alterations and other repairs to damaged areas can be clearly seen today as they were filled with grey Proconnesian marble which contrasts starkly with the original fine white marble of this lasting monument to Roman militarism and vanity.” (Ancient History Encyclopedia.) Tags: History, Architecture, Communication, Travel, Song, Roman Empire, Video.
Column of Marcus Aurelius, Rome
The column of Marcus Aurelius. Time: 1:07:
Column of Marcus Aurelius. Time: 2:12:
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Column of Marcus Aurelius. Time: 7:33:
Column of Marcus Aurelius Rome. Time: 1:07:
Column of Marcus Aurelius- Piazza Colonna, Rome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAMBNDmAxQY
Trajan Columns in Rome. The history, archeology, and iconography of the monument.
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