Trajan’s Market Was The World’s First Known Shopping Mall

AncientPages.com - Located in the heart of Rome, on the Via dei Fori Imperiali opposite to the Colosseum Trajan’s market was the world’s first known shopping mall. It was a large complex with no less than 150 warehouses, shops and offices where the ancient Romans would gather to purchase goods and conduct business.

It was constructed between 107 and 110 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus, who had been a favorite choice of the imperial elite since the reign of Vespasian. He had accompanied Trajan on a number of his expeditions, and was trusted by the emperor.

Trajans' market

The market complex was extremely large and semi-circular in shape, with columns standing in a row at its border. The higher levels, some as much as six stories above the ground, were generally used for management of the markets and general office space. Additionally, right next to these offices stood a sizable warehouse.

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Most commercial activity was carried on at the lower levels, where goods including wine, oil, fruit, and vegetables could be bought and sold. The shops that stood here were known as tabernae and had wide openings on to the street and small windows.

Trajan's market reconstruction.

The customer would most likely approach the shop keeper at the door and then be served there, rather than actually entering the room.

The Great Hall formed part of the lower levels of the market. Historians think this place was most likely a concert venue, perhaps also with spaces for teaching, speeches or rhetoric competitions. The arched vault of concrete that formed the market’s roof was raised on piers in order to allow sunlight to enter while still keeping rain off the shoppers below.

The market remained in active commercial use for around two centuries.

Despite many years of neglect and damages sustained during the earthquake of 1349, the complex is still in relatively good condition.

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