Who was the architect of the Forum of Trajan?

Apollodorus of Damascus is recognized as the architect of the Forum of Trajan, which was commissioned by Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD. This forum is notable for being one of the most complex and grand architectural achievements of Roman architecture, featuring a large basilica, triumphal column, libraries, and a market. Apollodorus was celebrated not only for his innovative designs but also for his understanding of urban planning, which contributed to the integration of various functions within the forum, making it a bustling center of civic life.

His contributions to Roman architecture extended beyond the Forum of Trajan; he is also credited with the design of the famous Market of Trajan, and his influence can be seen in various public buildings throughout the empire. His work exemplifies the Roman mastery of formal and structural techniques, emphasizing monumental scale and decorum, which were fundamental characteristics of Roman architecture during Trajan's reign. Understanding Apollodorus’s role in creating the Forum of Trajan helps appreciate the architectural advancements and urban strategies of ancient Rome.