Trajan's Markets and Imperial Forum Museum
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About this activity
The Markets of Trajan were built for the Emperor Trajan by the legendary architect Apollodorus of Damascus around 107-110 AD. The markets are considered the world’s first great shopping mall complex with some 150 shops and administrative offices. The markets were adjacent to the Forum of Trajan, where the spectacular Trajan’s Column still stands. This ticket also includes access to the fascinating Museum of the Imperial Forum.
If you want to imagine what the ancient city of Rome was really like at its peak, then a visit to the Markets of Trajan is an absolute must.
Emperor Trajan, who was officially acclaimed by the Senate as optimus princeps ('the best ruler') was also one of the greatest builders of Roman times - along with his architect Apollodorus of Damascus, the mastermind behind the Markets of Trajan.
Once inside the complex, you’ll be able to dip in and out of the more than 150 tabernae (shops) as you walk the ancient Via Biberatica - the main shopping street. As the first covered shopping mall structure in history, this complex is the model for every megamall we have today.
The Museum of the Imperial Forum (located inside) teaches visitors about the intricate network of fora (town squares) that made up the ancient city.
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If you want to imagine what the ancient city of Rome was really like at its peak, then a visit to the Markets of Trajan is an absolute must.
Emperor Trajan, who was officially acclaimed by the Senate as optimus princeps ('the best ruler') was also one of the greatest builders of Roman times - along with his architect Apollodorus of Damascus, the mastermind behind the Markets of Trajan.
Once inside the complex, you’ll be able to dip in and out of the more than 150 tabernae (shops) as you walk the ancient Via Biberatica - the main shopping street. As the first covered shopping mall structure in history, this complex is the model for every megamall we have today.
The Museum of the Imperial Forum (located inside) teaches visitors about the intricate network of fora (town squares) that made up the ancient city.
Features
Cultural
90%
Tourism
70%
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