Base of the Column of Arcadius

Base of the Column of Arcadius

Built in the early 5th century to honor the Roman Emperor Arcadius, this column stood for 1300 years, finally being demolished  in 1719 after sustaining damage from earthquakes. From historical drawings and descriptions, it is known to have been modeled after the famous Column of Trajan in Rome, with a narrative relief frieze spiraling up its length depicting the Gothic revolt of 395-398. Crowned by a statue of the triumphant Arcadius, it may ha…