The Adamclisi Monument

TROPAEUM TRAIANIThe two wars led by Emperor Trajan to conquer Dacia in the year 102 and then in 109, left in Dobrogea "a unique monument in the provincial Roman art". Trajan's victory in 109 led to the 200 year occupation of Dacia.Fortress and monument built by Emperor Trajan at Adamclisi in Dobrogea. ADAMCLISIAdamclisi(i.e. The Church of Man)The monument which is unique in the Roman provincial art is situated in Dobrogea close to the Danube and not far from the shores of the Black Sea.The construction was erected in the year 109, in order to celebrate Emperor Trajan's victorious campaign in Dacia. The monument stands on circular steps 27m in diameter and has the form of a drum with 54 metopes cylindrically disposed and 28 crenels; the roof has the form of a cone trunk, covered with scale shaped panes.The three-story column of the monument has, in the upper part, the statue of the trophy, covered in armour and chain mail.The monument was restored in 1977 by architects and constructors under the scientific supervision of professor Adrian Radulescu, PhD.In order to protect the original pieces, copies were made of the majority of the pieces and were placed on their pre-established places by the restoring artists. The original pieces are kept in a local museum. Lion on top of the monument AdamclisiMetope on the 2nd century A.D. monumentDaily life scene in Dobrogea.A peasant family transport their belongings.The wheels of the cart are of the latest style.A relatively realistic proportion between the animal, the cart and the characters. AdamclisiMetope on the 2nd century A.D. monumentThe inhabitants of Dobrogea could not part from their traditional occupation of raising sheep.Bringing together, in this case, a pair of he-goats, which provide meat and skin, and sheep. Translated by Ştefania Tarbu


by Petre Covacef