Imperial Rome Tour: Trajan's Markets & Roman Forum
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Overview
Explore ancient Rome on the Trajan's Markets and Imperial Forums Private Tour with a PhD guide. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes visitors back in time to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Visitors will see Trajan's Market, the world's oldest shopping mall. Then, they'll marvel at Trajan's Column, a tall monument that tells the story of Roman victories. The tour explores the Forum of Trajan, the biggest of all the Imperial Forums and a hub of ancient Roman life. The Forum of Nerva and the Forum of Augustus, with its Temple of Mars Ultor, will also be visited.
This private tour includes a licensed guide. Food, drinks, and private transportation are not included. This tour provides a deep dive into Roman history.

Highlights
Explore Trajan's Market: See the well-preserved ruins of what was ancient Rome's first shopping center.
Marvel at Trajan's Column: Admire the detailed carvings on this towering monument to Emperor Trajan's victories.
Discover the Imperial Forums: Walk through the political and governmental center of the Roman Empire.
Private Tour Experience: Enjoy a personalized and in-depth tour with a licensed, expert guide.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally had a fantastic experience, praising the knowledgeable guides and the immersive exploration of ancient Roman history. Some found the terrain challenging and the tour length a bit short.

Customers loved the guide's knowledge and passion for Roman history.
Many reviewers highlighted the guide's ability to bring the ruins to life.
Visitors appreciated the personalized experience of a private tour.
The tour was informative, engaging, and well-paced.
Some visitors found it challenging to navigate the uneven ground at the sites.
A few reviewers mentioned that the 2.5-hour duration felt a bit rushed.
The Journey
Trajan's Market
Step back in time at Trajan's Market (Mercati di Traiano), a remarkably preserved complex considered the world's first shopping mall. Built in the early 2nd century AD by Emperor Trajan, this multi-level structure once housed over 150 shops, offices, and even apartments. Wander through the arcaded halls, imagine the bustling commerce of ancient Rome, and explore the museum showcasing artifacts that offer a unique glimpse into the daily life of Roman citizens. Admire the innovative architecture and urban planning that made this complex a marvel of its time.
Trajan's Column
Witness the towering majesty of Trajan's Column (Colonna Traiana), a 125-foot-high monument crafted from Carrara marble to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victories in Dacia (modern-day Romania). Marvel at the intricate spiral frieze that wraps around the column, depicting over 2,500 figures in a continuous narrative of the Dacian Wars. Follow the epic story unfold in stone, from battles and sieges to sacrifices and ceremonies, and gain insights into the military strategies and cultural encounters of the Roman Empire. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Roman Forum and the city beyond.
Forum of Trajan
Explore the expansive ruins of the Forum of Trajan, the last and largest of Rome's Imperial Forums. Conceived by Emperor Trajan and designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, this grand complex was the political and governmental center of the Roman Empire. Imagine the bustling activity that once filled this space, dominated by a massive basilica, two libraries housing priceless scrolls, the iconic Trajan's Market, and the majestic Temple of Trajan (Ulpia Basilica). Wander among the remaining columns, foundations, and fragments of sculptures, and envision the splendor and power of imperial Rome.
Forum of Nerva
Discover the intimate scale and architectural elegance of the Forum of Nerva, the fourth and smallest of the Imperial Forums. Begun by Emperor Domitian and completed by his successor Nerva in 97 AD, this forum was designed to alleviate congestion in the Roman Forum. Admire the surviving columns and fragments of the Temple of Minerva, which once dominated the space. Reflect on the architectural constraints of this narrow forum, nestled between other monumental structures, and appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of Roman urban planning. Consider it as a hidden gem within the larger Imperial Forum complex.
Forum of Augustus
Step into the era of Rome's first emperor at the Forum of Augustus, a testament to the power and ambition of Octavian Augustus. Stand before the imposing ruins of the Temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger), built to commemorate Augustus's victory at the Battle of Philippi. Marvel at the three towering Corinthian columns made of white marble, standing as majestic reminders of the temple's former glory. Imagine the awe-inspiring statues of gods and heroes that once adorned the forum, and envision the political speeches and public ceremonies that shaped the course of Roman history.
Know Before You Go
This private tour includes a licensed tour guide who will provide expert commentary throughout the experience. Food, drinks, and private transportation are not included. The meeting point for the tour is a designated location near Trajan's Market, and the tour concludes near the Roman Forum. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing water, especially during the warmer months. Many reviewers suggest arriving a bit early to the meeting point to ensure a prompt start. Also, some reviewers suggest reading up on the history beforehand will add to the experience.