UC Irvine

This paper surveys various scholars who have interpreted Trajan’s Column as a mechanism of imperial and military propaganda. Focusing on studies that highlight the Column’s topography, helicoidal reliefs, and interior staircase allows us to determine how the Column of Trajan promoted collective memories rooted in imperial power, military success and national honor for the Roman people. In addition, this paper highlights the building tactics and stylistic components utilized to promote positive notions of war. The last section of this work offers a small critique of the extent of current scholarship while offering suggestions for future study/works.