Forum of Trajan

The Forum of Trajan was one of the Imperial Fora, and the one built by the Emperor Trajan from 106 to 112 AD was the biggest of them all.  Thanks to the vast wealth held by Trajan, he was able to level parts of the Quirinal and Capitoline Hills (two of the famous Seven Hills of Rome) and build this complex.  As it happens, a good chunk of it has been unearthed, which I saw on the way to the Temple of Hercules Victor in South Rome.  The plan of the forum is compliments of the Texas University website.

Columns of the Basilica Ulpia

Artsy shot of the Basilica Ulpia colonnade

The Column of Trajan was a triumphal column dedicated to the Roman victory over the Dacians (today's Bulgarians).  The frieze running from the bottom to the top describes the war with the Dacians, and the column itself is actually hollow with a staircase that leads to the top.  The statue on top used to be of the Emperor Trajan but it disappeared sometime during the Middle Ages.  It was later topped with the statue of St. Peter.

Columns, columns everywhere

Trajan's Market, which has actually for the most part withstood the test of time.  It serves an important function, as when Trajan had the hills demolished he made the Quirinal Hill an unstable mound of dirt.  This market and it's arch shape are what is preventing a landslide.