Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali
Ancient brick and concrete market complex carved into the Quirinal Hill, once an imperial grain hub.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to Trajan's Markets in Rome follows Apollodorus of Damascus, the emperor's chief architect, who carved this tiered brick and concrete complex into the Quirinal Hill in the early second century. You'll hear why the popular idea of Rome's first shopping mall is largely a myth, and what recent scholarship says these buildings actually managed for the imperial food supply. Look up at the brick vaults still standing along the Via Biberatica.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Broad fascist-era boulevard lined with Imperial Forum ruins and bronze statues of Roman emperors.
Trajan's Column
Soaring marble column coiled with a carved war frieze, the emperor's ashes sealed in its base.
Pantheon
Ancient temple and church holding the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and Raphael's tomb.
Baths of Caracalla
Ancient Roman thermae standing near full height, with walkable underground tunnels and rare mosaics.
Roman Forum
Open-air ruin of the ancient world's greatest civic center, home to Caesar's cremation altar.
Temple of Hadrian
Ancient Roman temple with eleven towering Corinthian columns, now embedded in a baroque palazzo.