The Markets of Traiano are an extensive complex of Romanesque buildings on the slopes of the Quirinale. Since 2007 they have hosted the Museum of the Imperial Forum. The commercial function previously attributed to the complex, had been linked to Traiano’s concerns about Rome’s precarious situation. The markets, in fact, served as the ultimate point of a large supply system to the capital city, which was also ensured by the construction of the Traiano port in Fiumicino.
The complex, which originally extended beyond the limits of the current archaeological area, in areas nowadays occupied by modern buildings, was mainly destined for the administrative activities associated with the Imperial Forum, and only to a limited extent for commercial activities, which perhaps were held outdoors on the sides of the inner streets. The dates of the brickwork stamps seem to indicate that the construction mostly dates back to the kingdom of Trajan and perhaps it is attributable to its architect, Apollodorus of Damascus, though it is possible that the project was already conceived under Domizian, to which era at least the beginning of the excavation work could be attributed. Trajan’s Markets have a lower part (Great and Small Hemicycle) intended primarily to support the Quirinale slopes and an upper part made up of the Great Hall and the Central Body.
The most significant contribution was undoubtedly the static consolidation and the seismic improvement of the upper complex, which was concluded in two years and nine months, guaranteeing in parallel the establishment of the Museum of the Imperial Forum, under the auspices of experimentation, innovation and the union of preservation and enhancement. The intervention focused on respect for the ancient structure, protection against polluting agents (atmospheric and noise), and increased the safety of the structure, in particular by increasing resistance to wind energy and possible vandalism.
SCHEDA LAVORO
