Museo dei Fori Imperiali nei Mercati di Traiano

The Mercati di Traiano (Trajan’s Markets) is an archaeological complex with absolutely unique characteristics. In fact, it represents an entire district that went through the evolution of the town from the Imperial age to our days, constantly being reused and transformed; from a strategic administrative centre of the imperial Fora, to noble residence, military fortress, prestigious home of a convent and barracks, in a continuous transformation that can be seen in the architectural changes and signs left by the various historic periods. Exploiting this ambivalence of being a container of excellence of its own history and the history of the town, the exhibition dedicated to the Imperial Fora, which were an integral part of that complex of buildings destined to the administration of activities and operations of the greatest and most famous of the Fora, the forum desired by Emperor Traianus, was organised. Instead of exhibiting single fragments (even if beautiful) of a past decorative splendour, their architectonical-sculptural decoration has been recomposed, in an attempt to enable the visitor to perceive the complexity of an ancient building yard, its work system and its technology, and at the same time, to try to revive the real environment of the Imperial period: the activities carried out in the Fora and the people that frequented them.