Column of Antoninus Pius, Victory column at Campus Martius, Rome
The Column of Antoninus Pius is a victory monument with a marble base carved with scenes of cavalry processions and imperial ceremonies. The sculptural reliefs depict both military parades and sacred rituals with intricate detail across the base.
The monument was built after 161 CE to honor the deceased emperor and mark his cremation site at the Campus Martius. Over time the column was dismantled, and its materials were repurposed for other structures.
The base displays scenes of daily imperial life and funeral ceremonies that reveal how Romans honored their rulers through elaborate rituals. These carved reliefs show the importance of such ceremonial moments in the life of the empire.
The marble base with its carvings can be seen at the Vatican Museums, displayed among other ancient Roman artifacts. Visitors should allow time to examine the intricate carving details to fully appreciate the scenes depicted.
The original granite shaft was later dismantled and repurposed for an entirely different project. Its stone was used to help restore a damaged Egyptian obelisk elsewhere in the city.
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