Rostral columns of Gaius Duilius, Victory monument in Roman Forum, Italy
The rostral columns of Gaius Duilius are ancient monuments in the Roman Forum decorated with bronze ship prows and naval trophies carved into their surfaces. They originally stood upright and carried inscriptions documenting a major naval achievement.
These columns were erected around 260 BC to commemorate a major Roman naval victory against Carthage. Their style and location set a template that later Roman leaders would follow when building their own monuments.
These columns mark how Romans celebrated victories and honored their military commanders in public spaces. They show the way power and achievement were displayed for all citizens to see.
Visitors can find the remains in the heart of the Roman Forum near other ancient structures. Access is through the main forum area, where you can walk around freely and examine the inscriptions up close.
The inscriptions on these columns remain readable today and provide rare details about an ancient naval battle. Such detailed military records carved into monuments are remarkably uncommon from this era.
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