Trajan’s Market. Exploring Yale’s Course on Roman Architecture (1-3). Art Inspired by Ancient Rome.

I continue my favorite Roman Architecture course. I’m diving into a project that combines my newfound knowledge with my artistic practice. So, the next part of the Yale’s course Roman Architecture is..

Roman Tombs, Aqueducts, and the lasting impact of Roman Architecture

This week’s lecture blew me away… we dove deep into the magnificent Forum of Trajan! Seriously, picture this: ancient Rome, but make it “shopping paradise”! Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano) was basically the world’s FIRST supermarket!  A massive complex of shops, a true dream for any fashionista or shopping enthusiast (past or present!). The forum itself? Pure magic. Ancient Roman street design perfected, a symphony of stone that’s truly “frozen music.” 

I can only imagine the buzz and energy that filled that space. The ancient Supermarket Trajan’s Market was a large complex of bazaar with series of shops. The Trajan Forum was the dream place for any fashion and shopping lovers. This was the first supermarket, all subsequent supermarkets in Rome and around the world built in the same way. The Forum of Trajan has characteristics of ancient Roman street design, beautiful and magic architecture, frozen music in stone.

Trajan’s Forum and Market: A Shopping Paradise in Ancient Rome

Imagine stepping back in time. Don’t just step back to a period of history but into the very heart of a bustling, vibrant city. Forget dusty tomes and silent ruins. Picture yourself immersed in the sensory overload of ancient Rome. Focus specifically on the Forum and Market of Trajan.

Painting- Rome, Markets of Trajan, Roman Architecture

Year of construction- 113 AD

Address: Via Quattro Novembre, 94, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

To truly appreciate Trajan’s Forum and Market, it’s essential to understand the man behind the vision: Emperor Trajan. Reigning from 98 to 117 AD, Trajan was a beloved and highly successful emperor. He oversaw a period of unprecedented expansion of the Roman Empire, marked by military victories and significant public works projects. Trajan was known for his dedication to the people of Rome. He understood the value of investing in infrastructure. Public spaces were important to him. The Forum and Market were a direct result of his efforts to improve the city.

The Construction: A feat of Roman Engineering

Building the Forum of Trajan was a monumental task, literally and figuratively. It required extensive excavation to level the terrain, cutting back a ridge that connected the Capitoline and Quirinal hills. This massive undertaking showcased the Romans’ engineering skills and their ability to move vast quantities of earth and materials. The project also involved innovative use of concrete and other construction techniques that were groundbreaking for their time

The Architecture: A Symphony in Stone. Grand Canyon and Roman Architecture

Just a funny thought. Our family visited the Grand Canyon several years ago. My impression of this natural, earth-made architecture with its rocks and relief mountains is profound. It reminds me of Roman architecture with its ancient buildings’ rounded windows, beams, doors, ribbed ceilings, and columns.

Roman architects definitely took their ideas from nature. This is reflected in Trajan’s design. The architectural genius arose from earlier revolutionary innovations in architecture.

Roman Architecture soundtrack

The sheer scale and ambition of this Roman masterpiece is truly breathtaking. Thinking about the materials, the intricate carvings, and the historical significance… it’s mind-blowing!

Now, to fully immerse myself in the feeling of being there (virtually, of course! )

I’m trying to find a playlist to set the mood for learning the course about antique Rome. I am choosing music that helps me to capture the beauty of Trajan’s Forum – Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy.

Live in Rome (past and present)

I usually adding a live to my sketching. Imagine: a cat contemplating the grandeur of Roman engineering:)

He was witnessing the majestic arches, columns, and domes of ancient Rome come to life.

A little cat is exploring the ruins with me. Every trip in Rome, I see some cats. They are diving into the grandeur of Roman architecture with a purr-fectly delightful twist!

This wasn’t just a place. It was a testament to Roman ingenuity, a hub of commerce, and a dazzling display of architectural prowess.

Maybe I will start a new sketch or painting series of Roman Scenes in future.. How about recreating some scenes from the Forum of Trajan or other antique Roman locations? I love the idea about this project. Join me to explore the magnificence of this ancient shopping paradise:)

All roads lead to Rome- Alain de Lille

Bon voyage! Until the next travel

https://www.coursera.org/learn/roman-architecture/home/welcome

The magic of the holidays is in the making!  Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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Tools used for my painting Watercolor Cotman sap green and mauve +Van Gogh siena paint), Derwent, Albert Durer and Faber Castell watercolour pencils. Paper Acquarello watercolor Fabriano grana grossa rouch album, 22×30 cm (9 ×12 in.)