The Column of Marcus Aurelius is one of the most notable monuments of ancient Rome, and it stands as a testament to the legacy of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the strength of the Roman Empire. Its historical, architectural, and artistic value reflects both the military might of Rome and the virtues of the emperor himself.

Here, World History Edu provides a detailed look at the Column of Marcus Aurelius, exploring its historical context, physical features, the events depicted on it, and its significance in Roman history and art.

READ MORE: Major Accomplishments of Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher-Emperor

Historical Context

The Column of Marcus Aurelius was erected between 180 and 193 CE, during or shortly after the reign of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled as Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE. This period in Roman history was marked by a series of military conflicts, particularly along the Danube frontier. These wars, known as the Marcomannic Wars, were fought against various Germanic and Sarmatian tribes.

Marcus Aurelius spent much of his later years leading the Roman army in these campaigns, a grueling endeavor that demanded both resilience and strategic skill. His reign, unlike that of many emperors, was defined not by a quest for personal glory but by a sense of duty to protect and stabilize the empire.

Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher, known for his contemplative work, Meditations, which he composed during these campaigns. The Column was constructed to honor his military victories and his dedication to the empire, while also serving as a reminder of Rome’s enduring power and the emperor’s role as both a philosopher and warrior.

Architecture and Design

The Column of Marcus Aurelius stands in the Piazza Colonna in Rome. It is made of Carrara marble, rising approximately 39 meters (about 128 feet) high, including the base and the statue at the top. The architectural design of the column follows the tradition established by Trajan’s Column, a monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan’s victories in the Dacian Wars. Like Trajan’s Column, it features a continuous spiral relief that wraps around the shaft, depicting scenes from the Marcomannic Wars.

The column’s shaft consists of 28 or 29 marble blocks, each weighing several tons, which were stacked atop each other with remarkable precision. The shaft is hollow, containing a spiral staircase of around 200 steps that leads to the top of the column. Originally, a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius crowned the column, but this was replaced by a statue of St. Paul in the 16th century.

Narrative and Themes of the Spiral Reliefs

The most striking feature of the Column of Marcus Aurelius is its intricate spiral relief, which is carved in high relief and tells the story of the emperor’s campaigns against the Germanic and Sarmatian tribes.

The relief serves as a visual narrative, divided into two main sections: the campaigns against the Marcomanni (171-175 CE) and the campaigns against the Sarmatians (177-180 CE). These carvings are divided into approximately 21 or 22 spiral bands and feature over 150 scenes.

Military Campaigns and Battle Scenes

The reliefs depict various aspects of the campaigns, from the initial mobilization of the Roman army to the battles themselves, showing scenes of marching, encampment, combat, and victories. One of the most famous scenes is the “Miracle of the Rain,” in which a Roman army, trapped and suffering from drought, is miraculously saved by a sudden downpour. This rain is said to have been sent by Jupiter, the king of the gods, in response to the prayers of Marcus Aurelius. This scene highlights the emperor’s piety and his connection to the divine, reinforcing the idea that his victories were divinely sanctioned.

Another recurring theme is the brutality of war, depicted with striking realism. Unlike the idealized depictions of Roman virtues on other monuments, the reliefs on Marcus Aurelius’ Column do not shy away from showing the harsh realities of warfare. Scenes include Roman soldiers executing or torturing prisoners, as well as civilians being displaced. These images likely served as a powerful reminder of Rome’s strength and the cost of challenging its might.

Religious and Supernatural Elements

The column also incorporates religious and supernatural elements. Alongside the “Miracle of the Rain,” there are other instances where divine intervention is depicted. This reflects the emperor’s belief in the gods’ role in guiding and supporting his rule. Marcus Aurelius was a deeply spiritual man, influenced by Stoicism, and the inclusion of these divine elements underscores the connection between the emperor’s personal beliefs and the depiction of his accomplishments.

Representation of the Emperor

In many scenes, Marcus Aurelius himself is prominently featured. He is often depicted leading his troops, delivering speeches, or offering mercy to defeated enemies. This serves to emphasize his role as a just and compassionate leader who cares for both his soldiers and his enemies, as well as his people back home in Rome. These depictions reinforce his image as a “philosopher-king,” an ideal ruler who combines wisdom with military prowess.

Comparison with Trajan’s Column

The Column of Marcus Aurelius shares many similarities with Trajan’s Column, both in structure and in purpose. However, there are notable differences as well.

Trajan’s Column depicts a more idealized and orderly version of warfare, while the Column of Marcus Aurelius presents a grittier, more realistic portrayal of military conflict. The scenes on Trajan’s Column are generally more focused on the construction of fortifications, organization, and discipline of the army, whereas Marcus Aurelius’ Column includes more scenes of destruction, suffering, and divine intervention.

The above differences reflect a shift in the artistic and ideological approach of the Roman Empire, perhaps in response to the increasing instability of the later second century.

Inspired by Trajan’s Column, the Column of Marcus Aurelius focuses on grittier, realistic depictions of warfare and divine involvement.

The artistic style of the two columns also differs. The reliefs on the Column of Marcus Aurelius are carved in higher relief, making them more three-dimensional and dramatic. This may have been intended to convey a sense of immediacy and intensity, drawing the viewer into the experience of the soldiers and the emperor himself.

Significance and Legacy

The Column of Marcus Aurelius serves multiple purposes. It is both a commemorative monument and a work of art, designed to immortalize the achievements of a respected emperor. For the Roman people, it would have been a symbol of the emperor’s dedication to their safety and prosperity. It also served as a reminder to foreign enemies of the might of Rome and the consequences of defiance.

In a broader sense, the column reflects the values of the Roman Empire during this period. Marcus Aurelius is portrayed not only as a military leader but as a compassionate ruler, emphasizing his Stoic virtues and his commitment to justice. This combination of strength and moral virtue was an ideal that Romans aspired to and celebrated in their leaders.

The monument’s legacy continued long after the fall of the Roman Empire. It influenced the design of later commemorative columns, including those of Napoleon and other European rulers who sought to connect their own achievements to the grandeur of Rome. Additionally, the column’s reliefs provide historians with valuable insights into the equipment, tactics, and daily lives of Roman soldiers, as well as the political and religious ideas that shaped Roman imperial ideology.

Later Modifications and Preservation

The Column of Marcus Aurelius has undergone several modifications over the centuries. In the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V ordered the replacement of the original statue of Marcus Aurelius at the top with a statue of St. Paul, as part of a broader effort to Christianize Rome’s ancient monuments. This was a common practice during the Renaissance, as the Catholic Church sought to connect Rome’s ancient heritage with its Christian identity.

Despite these changes, the column remains remarkably well-preserved. It has survived earthquakes, weathering, and human intervention, standing as a testament to the skill of Roman engineers and the enduring legacy of Rome itself. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, admired by visitors from around the world.

The Column as a Reflection of Marcus Aurelius’ Philosophy

Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher, and his personal philosophy is reflected in the design and iconography of the column. Stoicism teaches acceptance of one’s fate, resilience in the face of hardship, and the importance of duty and virtue. These values are evident in the scenes depicted on the column, which portray the emperor as a leader who endures the hardships of war alongside his soldiers and faces adversity with courage and determination.

In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius often reflects on the transitory nature of life and the importance of acting justly, regardless of the challenges one faces. The Column, with its emphasis on both the hardships and triumphs of war, serves as a visual representation of these ideas. It commemorates not only the emperor’s victories but also his perseverance and moral integrity.

Artistic Techniques and Innovations

The artists who carved the Column of Marcus Aurelius employed a variety of techniques to convey depth, movement, and emotion. The high relief of the carvings creates a dramatic effect, making the figures appear almost three-dimensional. The scenes are densely packed with figures, giving a sense of energy and urgency to the narrative.

One notable innovation is the use of hierarchical scaling, where the emperor is depicted larger than the other figures, emphasizing his importance and authority. This technique was common in Roman art and served to reinforce the social and political hierarchy of the empire.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The Column of Marcus Aurelius is rich in symbolism. The spiral design itself is symbolic of the emperor’s ascent to the heavens, a concept that was often associated with the deification of emperors. The inclusion of scenes depicting divine intervention reinforces the idea that the emperor was favored by the gods and that his rule was ordained by divine will.

In the Column of Marcus Aurelius, we see not only the history of a great emperor but also the values of an ancient civilization, preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.

The column also serves as a cultural artifact, providing insight into the values, beliefs, and concerns of Roman society during this period. The emphasis on military victory, divine favor, and the emperor’s moral virtues reflects the priorities of the Roman Empire in the late 2nd century CE. In this sense, the Column of Marcus Aurelius is not just a monument to an individual ruler but a reflection of the ideals and aspirations of an entire civilization.

Did you know…?

• Locals called the Column of Marcus Aurelius the “Centenaria,” referring to its height of 100 Roman feet (about 30 meters), which was noted in the inscription on the base.
• Adrastus, a freedman, served as the caretaker of the column. In 193 CE, he requested and was granted permission to build a hut nearby to fulfill his duties better.
• The original column was made of fine white marble, while repairs used grey Proconnesian marble, making the restoration work visibly distinct from the original.

Roman Emperors Who Changed the Course of History

Conclusion

The Column of Marcus Aurelius is a masterpiece of Roman art and architecture, combining narrative, symbolism, and historical documentation in a single monument. It stands as a tribute to Marcus Aurelius’ military achievements, his philosophical ideals, and the resilience of the Roman Empire. Through its intricate reliefs, it tells the story of Rome’s struggles and triumphs, providing a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who defended the empire and the emperor who led them.

Questions and Answers

Why was the Column of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina erected?

The column was likely erected around 180 CE by Emperor Commodus to honor his father, Marcus Aurelius, and his mother, Faustina, celebrating Marcus Aurelius’ military victories over the Quadi.

Which earlier Roman monument inspired the Column of Marcus Aurelius?

The column was inspired by Trajan’s Column, erected in 113 CE, which also commemorated military victories.

What historical events are depicted on the column’s carvings?

The high-relief carvings on the column depict scenes from Marcus Aurelius’ campaigns against the Quadi, Marcomanni, and Sarmatians, particularly focusing on battles across the Danube between 172 and 175 CE.

How tall is the Column of Marcus Aurelius today, and how much of it is below ground?

The column stands at 39 meters above ground, with an additional 7 meters of its base remaining underground.

What originally topped the Column of Marcus Aurelius?

Originally, a statue—likely of Marcus Aurelius himself—crowned the column, which brought its total height to approximately 52 meters.

What architectural style was used for the column?

The column is a Doric design, almost uniformly wide (only 14 cm wider at the base), and features 21 spirals of relief carvings, each about 130 cm high, depicting various scenes from Marcus Aurelius’ campaigns.

What notable artistic features characterize the relief carvings on the column?

The reliefs emphasize frontal views, perspective through stacked rows, and disproportionate figures, typical of Late Antiquity art, where heads are large, bodies are either short or elongated, and facial features are minimized.

What kinds of damage has the Column of Marcus Aurelius suffered over the centuries?

The column has endured erosion due to its high-relief carvings, lightning strikes, earthquakes, and the removal of iron pins in the Middle Ages, causing some structural shifts.

How did Pope Sixtus V contribute to the column’s restoration in 1589 CE?

Pope Sixtus V restored the column by adding inscriptions, reconfiguring the pedestal to accommodate the raised ground level, and replacing the original statue with one of St. Paul.

What notable sculptures were removed during the Renaissance restoration, and how are they known today?

Four projecting sculptures depicting conquered barbarians and Victories were removed and are known only from Renaissance-era drawings.