Column of Marcus Aurelius

Definition

The Column of Marcus Aurelius is a monumental structure in Rome, built to commemorate the victories of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the Marcomannic Wars. It stands at approximately 30 meters tall and features a continuous frieze that spirals around the column, depicting various scenes of battle and heroic acts. This column serves as an important example of historical reliefs and public monuments in Roman art, showcasing both the artistic techniques of the time and the political propaganda used to glorify the emperor's achievements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Column of Marcus Aurelius was completed around 193 AD and is reminiscent of the earlier Trajan's Column, both in design and function.
2. The frieze on the column consists of over 2500 individual figures that illustrate significant events from the Marcomannic Wars.
3. The column is topped by a statue of Marcus Aurelius, which was originally made of bronze but has since been replaced by a Christian saint's statue during the Renaissance.
4. Unlike other monuments of its time, the Column of Marcus Aurelius includes representations of both Romans and their barbarian adversaries, emphasizing the complexity of war.
5. The structure has survived various periods of neglect and damage throughout history but remains an important symbol of Roman art and historical narrative.

Review Questions

• How does the Column of Marcus Aurelius reflect the artistic techniques and storytelling methods used in Roman relief sculptures?
  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius showcases advanced artistic techniques such as intricate detailing and dynamic compositions within its frieze. The continuous spiral narrative technique allows viewers to engage with the story of the Marcomannic Wars as they walk around the column. This method emphasizes movement and action, effectively communicating both the struggles and triumphs of war, which is characteristic of Roman relief sculpture that aims to tell stories in a visually captivating manner.
• In what ways does the Column serve as an example of imperial propaganda during Marcus Aurelius' reign?
  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius functions as a potent tool for imperial propaganda by highlighting the emperor's military successes and virtues. Through its detailed reliefs depicting battles, it reinforces Marcus Aurelius' image as a strong and capable leader defending the empire. By showcasing scenes that include not only victories but also compassion toward conquered foes, it aims to elevate his status among both citizens and future generations while justifying his authority as emperor.
• Evaluate the significance of the Column of Marcus Aurelius in understanding Roman cultural values and its role within historical reliefs and public monuments.
  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius is significant for understanding Roman cultural values such as honor, bravery, and duty to the state. It exemplifies how historical reliefs were used to convey messages about leadership and morality in times of conflict. The monument's blend of artistic beauty with political messaging highlights how public monuments served not only as commemorations but also as moral guides for society. By analyzing this monument, we gain insights into how art was intertwined with politics in ancient Rome, influencing public perception and civic identity.

Related terms

Relief Sculpture: A type of sculpture where figures are carved into a flat surface, creating a three-dimensional effect while remaining attached to the background.

Triumphal Arch: An architectural structure built to celebrate a military victory or significant event, often adorned with reliefs and inscriptions that commemorate the occasion.

Imperial Propaganda: The use of art, architecture, and public displays to promote the achievements and authority of a ruler or government.