Description
This volume explores the architectural legacy of Apollodorus of Damascus and his monumental contribution to Roman imperial identity through Trajan's Column. By bridging Syrian architectural traditions—rooted in Nabataean and Near Eastern design principles—with classical Greco-Roman aesthetics, Apollodorus introduced innovative engineering and spatial concepts to the heart of the Roman Empire. The study contextually examines Syria's urban and architectural landscape during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, placing particular emphasis on the structural and symbolic significance of Trajan's Column. Furthermore, the work documents a major collaborative project between Italian and Syrian institutions involving the fabrication, conservation, and exhibition of sixteen full-scale resin casts of the column's helical frieze for the National Museum of Damascus. By highlighting shared Mediterranean heritage and technical exchanges, this research establishes a foundation for the creation of a dedicated research center, demonstrating how ancient architectural dialogue continues to foster modern intercultural cooperation.
