Roman war trophies - the tropaeum
The tropaeum is a military monument set up to commemorate a victory over a defeated enemy. Often this takes the shape of a tree with a pair of arm-like branches, or a pair of crossed-stakes, upon which is hung the armour of the defeated foe. A religious ceremony dedicates the tropaeum to a god in thanksgiving for the victory. On the battlefield the display is designed to humble the enemy, cheer the soldiers' morale, and warn foreign powers of Rome's might. They are also displayed in Rome to impress the pleased citizens, and can help the victorious general win influence and prestige.
The symbolism of the tropaeum became so well known that this temporary symbol of victory then became a permanent impression displayed on numerous Roman coins, sculptured reliefs, and large monuments.
Please click image for full-size
The symbolism of the tropaeum became so well known that this temporary symbol of victory then became a permanent impression displayed on numerous Roman coins, sculptured reliefs, and large monuments.
Please click image for full-size
Roman coins depicting tropaeums
1. Denarius of Julius Caesar; Spanish mint, 46 BC. A captured Gaul with a mourning female symbolizing defeated Gallia.
2. Aureus of Brutus; Asia Minor travelling military mint, 42 BC. A combined military and naval trophy, consisting of a cuirass on a tree trunk topped by a helmet, with a curved sword, crossed spears and shield. At the base two prows, shields, and a rudder.
3. Dupondius of Marcus Aurelius, 170 AD, showing tropaeum with male and female Sarmatian captives tied to base.
1. Denarius of Julius Caesar; Spanish mint, 46 BC. A captured Gaul with a mourning female symbolizing defeated Gallia.
2. Aureus of Brutus; Asia Minor travelling military mint, 42 BC. A combined military and naval trophy, consisting of a cuirass on a tree trunk topped by a helmet, with a curved sword, crossed spears and shield. At the base two prows, shields, and a rudder.
3. Dupondius of Marcus Aurelius, 170 AD, showing tropaeum with male and female Sarmatian captives tied to base.
The Tropaeum Alpium was erected by the emperor Augustus in 6 BC at La Turbie to commemorate his victories over 45 Alpine tribes and could be seen for miles around standing at an impressive 35 metres tall.
The Tropaeum Traiani was erected by the emperor Trajan in 109 AD at Moesia Inferior (modern Adamclisi, Romania) to commemorate his victory over the Dacians, and displayed 54 metopes of Roman legions defeating their enemies. The inscription reads:
The Tropaeum Traiani was erected by the emperor Trajan in 109 AD at Moesia Inferior (modern Adamclisi, Romania) to commemorate his victory over the Dacians, and displayed 54 metopes of Roman legions defeating their enemies. The inscription reads:
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MARTI ULTOR[I]
IM[P(erator)CAES]AR DIVI NERVA[E] F(ILIUS) N[E]RVA TRA]IANUS [AUG(USTUS) GERM(ANICUS)] DAC]I[CU]S PONT(IFEX) MAX(IMUS) TRIB(UNICIA) POTEST(ATE) XIII IMP(ERATOR) VI CO(N)S(UL) V P(ater) P(atriae) ?VICTO EXERC]ITU D[ACORUM] ?---- ET SARMATA]RUM |
"To Mars, the avenger, Caesar the emperor,
son of divine Nerva, Nerva Trajan, Augustus, who defeated the Germans, the Dacians, great priest, for the 13th time tribune of the plebeians, proclaimed emperor by the army for the 6th time, elected consul for the 5th time, father of our homeland, after defeating the Dacian and the Sarmatian armies." |
