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In this thread, through the analyses of several depicted scenes, I will highlight the ideological aspect of the Column of Trajan (Forum of Trajan, Rome).
Since its propaganda purpose overrides its historical purpose, it's not a reliable chronological account [1].
/1 https://twitter.com/FlintCLST6/status/1323682034322231296
In this thread, through the analyses of several depicted scenes, I will highlight the ideological aspect of the Column of Trajan (Forum of Trajan, Rome).
Since its propaganda purpose overrides its historical purpose, it's not a reliable chronological account [1].
/1 https://twitter.com/FlintCLST6/status/1323682034322231296
Certain unrealistic and exaggerated scenes on the column. show that its primary purpose wasn't to portray reality. One of such scenes can be seen on the Northeast side of the column: close view of a soldier hauling building material [2].
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![Certain unrealistic and exaggerated scenes on the column. show that its primary purpose wasn't to portray reality. One of such scenes can be seen on the Northeast side of the column: close view of a soldier hauling building material [2]./2](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmGBTOzXYAAcFSH.jpg "Certain unrealistic and exaggerated scenes on the column. show that its primary purpose wasn't to portray reality. One of such scenes can be seen on the Northeast side of the column: close view of a soldier hauling building material [2]./2")
![Certain unrealistic and exaggerated scenes on the column. show that its primary purpose wasn't to portray reality. One of such scenes can be seen on the Northeast side of the column: close view of a soldier hauling building material [2]./2](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmGBTOyX0AIQ5vr.jpg "Certain unrealistic and exaggerated scenes on the column. show that its primary purpose wasn't to portray reality. One of such scenes can be seen on the Northeast side of the column: close view of a soldier hauling building material [2]./2")
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If the blocks are heavy blocks of ashlar masonry, it'd be really difficult to carry them this way. Some scholars argue that sod is being carried here; but it might also be that the aim was portraying soldiers as strong and diligent rather than caring about realism [2].
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Another evidence of the ideological purposes behind the construction of the column was the difference between the portrayals of the Dacian leader (Decebalus) and the Roman leader (Trajan) both quantitatively and qualitatively.
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Trajan could be spotted 57-60 times on the column, while Decebalus only appears 6 times [2]. There's also a difference between how they are depicted. Trajan is portrayed as an amazing powerful leader when Decebalus looks vulnerable and weak.
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These two scenes illustrate that difference beautifully (left-Decebauls, right-Trajan). Debecalus passively watches the defeat of his soldiers- not heroic at all. On the contrary, we see Trajan motivating his troops on a tribunal just like a smart&brave leader would [2].
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![These two scenes illustrate that difference beautifully (left-Decebauls, right-Trajan). Debecalus passively watches the defeat of his soldiers- not heroic at all. On the contrary, we see Trajan motivating his troops on a tribunal just like a smart&brave leader would [2]./6](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmGNhe2X0AAjCqS.jpg "These two scenes illustrate that difference beautifully (left-Decebauls, right-Trajan). Debecalus passively watches the defeat of his soldiers- not heroic at all. On the contrary, we see Trajan motivating his troops on a tribunal just like a smart&brave leader would [2]./6")
![These two scenes illustrate that difference beautifully (left-Decebauls, right-Trajan). Debecalus passively watches the defeat of his soldiers- not heroic at all. On the contrary, we see Trajan motivating his troops on a tribunal just like a smart&brave leader would [2]./6](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmGNhf3W0AE4fGA.jpg "These two scenes illustrate that difference beautifully (left-Decebauls, right-Trajan). Debecalus passively watches the defeat of his soldiers- not heroic at all. On the contrary, we see Trajan motivating his troops on a tribunal just like a smart&brave leader would [2]./6")
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Sources:
[1] Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print. pg.160-162
[2] http://www.trajans-column.org/
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[1] Kleiner, Fred S. A History of Roman Art. Victoria: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Print. pg.160-162
[2] http://www.trajans-column.org/
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