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MERCATI TRAIANEI
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Trajan's Markets were considered in ancient times as one of the wonders in the classical world; today they present to us only a little part of the splendor of the old days. In the II century B. C. Apollodoro from Damascus designed for Trajan the great set that included 150 premises used as shops. The set is situated between Trajan's forum and the slopes of Quirinal Hill, exactly in the point where the cut of the hill was made, in consecutive terraces; and where the Markets are situated. The total height of the cut of the hill corresponds to the Trajan's Column height. The façade of the Trajan's Markets is made with a big exedra, and at its sides two big semicircular halls are situated, covered with a half dome, probably used as schools or auditoriums.
The most important part of the Markets is the Hall, building covered with six cross vaults; it can be considered the first covered trade center in history.
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