The Statue of Emperor Trajan
Origin and History
The Statue of Emperor Trajan, a Roman Emperor who ruled from 98 to 117 AD, stands near London’s ancient Roman Wall at Tower Hill. It depicts the emperor in military dress, with a commanding presence, gazing across the remnants of Londinium — the Roman settlement that later became London. The statue itself is not originally from London, but is an ancient Roman statue that was discovered in Italy, possibly in the 19th century, and later brought to the UK. It was placed near the Roman Wall in the early 20th century, to highlight the city’s Roman roots.
Who Was Trajan?
Trajan was one of the greatest emperors of Rome, known for expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent. He led successful military campaigns in Dacia (modern Romania) and built numerous architectural marvels across the empire, including Trajan’s Column in Rome. His connection to Britain is symbolic rather than direct, as he never personally visited Britannia. However, his reign was part of the Roman golden age, during which Londinium grew into a vital hub of administration and trade.
The Statue’s Significance
While the statue was not made in London and is not unique (it is thought to be a copy of a Roman original or possibly made using ancient methods), it may be the oldest statue currently standing in the city, as it likely dates from the 2nd century. Its placement next to the remains of the Roman wall invites viewers to reflect on London’s ancient past and the long reach of Roman civilization. Though weathered and missing parts (notably its right hand), it is one of the few surviving ancient statues in a modern metropolis. shutdown123