“Trajan, constructing the Empire, creating Europe,” opened this week at the ancient Trajan’s Markets and runs until Sept. 16, 2018. The exhibit explores how Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 A.D., united peoples across Europe and why the women in his life are sometimes seen as forerunners of U.S. First Ladies. With an empire stretching from the Irish Sea to the Black Sea and running across northern Africa, another hallmark of his rule was solid administration, including tax collection. He also led bold military offensives that expanded the empire’s boundaries, including a bloody conquest of what is now Romania. On display are some fresco fragments from Trajan’s villa at Arcinazzo Romano, in the rugged hills near Subiaco, west of Rome.

Source: National Post December 01, 2017 12:22 UTC