Location
Column for Marcus Aurelius, detail of 17th century map of Rome
The location and orientation of the Column for Marcus Aurelius imply that it is mainly a victory monument with a subtle connection to the funerary monuments of his wife and relatives nearby. The Column for Marcus Aurelius is located in the northern part of the Campus Martius, on the west side of Via Flaminia and just north of what is known as Via Recta or Via Tecta. It lies south of the Mausoleum of Augustus and east of the funerary Column of Antoninus Pius. On its northwest side are several funerary altars for the Antonine Dynasty. The Column for Marcus Aurelius is oriented towards and elevated above the Via Flaminia for best visibility, while its upper doorway opens toward the altars. Via Flaminia was the main road taken by armies setting out to war in the north and by generals who were returning triumphantly to Rome from that direction. Those who traveled along the Via Flaminia had the best view of the most important sculptural reliefs on the Column, and also had access to the doorway that led to the Column’s internal staircase. Once they entered the column and ascended the staircase, they would have walked through the upper doorway and immediately seen the Antonine altars below, thus recognizing the Column’s connection to the funerary monuments.