Towering over the bustling Piazza Colonna in the heart of Rome stands the Column of Marcus Aurelius, a remarkable monument to the legacy of one of Rome’s greatest emperors and his wife, Faustina the Younger. Erected sometime around 180 AD, it was originally believed to have been constructed by Emperor Commodus in honor of his parents, Marcus Aurelius and Faustina, shortly after his father’s death. Today, the column remains a symbol of imperial power, military victory, and the enduring artistry of the Roman Empire.
The Historical Context: The Reign of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, one of the most revered emperors in Roman history, ruled from 161 AD until his death in 180 AD. Known as the “Philosopher Emperor,” he is perhaps best remembered for his work Meditations, a series of personal writings that reflect his Stoic philosophy and commitment to duty. His reign was marked by numerous military campaigns, most notably the long and difficult wars against the Germanic tribes along the northern borders of the empire.
Faustina the Younger, Marcus Aurelius’s wife, was equally celebrated. Born into a prominent Roman family, she played a significant role in the imperial court, bearing 13 children, including Commodus, who would eventually succeed his father as emperor. Despite the challenges faced during Marcus Aurelius’s reign, both he and Faustina were deeply respected figures, and their rule was seen as a golden age of Roman leadership.
After Marcus Aurelius’s death, Commodus, their son, assumed power. Although his reign would later be characterized by excess, controversy, and violence, it is believed that Commodus sought to honor his parents through the construction of the Column of Marcus Aurelius, reflecting the same reverence that Roman society held for the emperor and his wife.
The Column’s Construction and Design
The Column of Marcus Aurelius, standing at 39 meters (about 128 feet) tall, is modeled after Trajan’s Column, an earlier and equally iconic monument that commemorates the military victories of Emperor Trajan. Like Trajan’s Column, Marcus Aurelius’s column is a triumphal structure, meant to celebrate the emperor’s successful military campaigns, particularly those against the Germanic and Sarmatian tribes.
The column is constructed from 28 blocks of Carrara marble, intricately carved with a spiral relief that winds its way up the shaft. The relief depicts scenes from Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns, beginning with the Roman army preparing for battle and extending through various military engagements. The figures on the column are characterized by their realism and dynamism, with vivid depictions of soldiers in battle, the emperor addressing his troops, and the harsh conditions of warfare along the empire’s frontiers.
Unlike Trajan’s Column, however, the relief on the Column of Marcus Aurelius takes on a more somber tone. While Trajan’s Column emphasizes the glory and order of Roman conquest, Marcus Aurelius’s column portrays the brutality and suffering of war. Scenes of violence, death, and the hardships faced by both the Roman soldiers and their enemies are prominently featured, reflecting the more difficult and costly nature of the emperor’s campaigns. This shift in tone is often seen as a reflection of Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic philosophy, which emphasized the inevitability of suffering and the importance of endurance in the face of hardship.
The Reliefs: A Window into Imperial Propaganda
The spiral frieze that wraps around the column is not just a narrative of war; it is also a piece of imperial propaganda. The emperor is often depicted in a godlike manner, towering over his soldiers and addressing them with authority and wisdom. This portrayal reinforces the idea of the emperor as both a military leader and a moral guide, leading his troops with a steady hand through the trials of war.
In one of the more striking scenes, Marcus Aurelius is shown offering clemency to defeated Germanic tribes, an act that reflects the emperor’s philosophical belief in mercy and justice. This scene, in particular, is meant to highlight the emperor’s wisdom and magnanimity, even in victory. At the same time, the defeated tribes are depicted as humbled, reinforcing the idea of Roman superiority and the inevitability of their rule.
The reliefs also emphasize the religious and supernatural aspects of the emperor’s rule. In one section, a rain miracle is depicted, in which divine intervention saves the Roman army from destruction by bringing a downpour during a critical battle. This event, historically known as the “Miracle of the Rain,” was interpreted as a sign of divine favor for the emperor and his troops, further reinforcing the notion of Marcus Aurelius as a ruler chosen by the gods.
The Column’s Later History and Restoration
Over the centuries, the Column of Marcus Aurelius has remained a prominent fixture in the Roman landscape, though its history has not always been one of careful preservation. In the Middle Ages, the original statue that once topped the column—likely a bronze figure of Marcus Aurelius—was lost. In 1589, Pope Sixtus V ordered the column restored, and a new statue of St. Paul was placed on top, replacing the original imperial figure.
During the restoration, additional modifications were made to the column and its base, reflecting the changing religious and cultural landscape of Rome. Despite these alterations, the column has remained remarkably well-preserved, and its reliefs continue to provide a detailed glimpse into the military and political life of the Roman Empire.
A Legacy of Power and Artistry
The Column of Marcus Aurelius stands today not only as a testament to the life and achievements of the philosopher-emperor but also as a symbol of Roman power and artistry. Its intricate carvings offer insight into the complexities of imperial rule, the challenges of military conquest, and the role of propaganda in shaping the image of Rome’s leaders.
As one of the few remaining imperial columns from ancient Rome, the Column of Marcus Aurelius continues to draw visitors from around the world, standing tall in the Piazza Colonna as a reminder of the empire’s lasting influence on art, architecture, and history. Its narrative reliefs, with their detailed depictions of war and leadership, invite reflection on the nature of power, both in ancient times and today.
For those who visit Rome, the column offers not just a glimpse into the past but a connection to the enduring legacy of Marcus Aurelius, Faustina, and the empire they helped shape. It is a monument that speaks to the resilience of history and the power of human creativity to capture and preserve the stories of our shared heritage.