The use and symbolism of coloured marble in the Forum of Augustus and the Forum of Trajan

Abstract

This thesis details the use of coloured decorative marble in the ornamental design and the symbolic meaning of the Forum of Augustus (2 BCE) and the Forum of Trajan (112/113 CE). It is a comprehensive study of the levels of meaning conveyed through the coloured marble used in these complexes. This is done through examining "low-level" and "middle-level" meaning as identified by the modern architect Amos Rapoport. Low-level meanings, which communicate instrumental everyday meanings, were identified within the variations of the coloured marble pavements, the colour contrasts of the monolithic columns and the architectural arrangement of the Fora of Augustus and Trajan. This is carried out through the examination of the archaeological evidence of coloured marble within the Imperial Fora of Augustus and Trajan. Middle-level meanings, which conveyed ideologies, were deliberately chosen to communicate an underlying theme or message, which in the context of the Forum of Augustus and the Forum of Trajan were related to power, wealth, control, stability, and the status of the emperor. This is explored through the abundance of ancient written sources regarding both colour and marble. This study examined and created a comprehensive analysis of the levels of meaning conveyed through the coloured marble used in the Forum of Augustus and the Forum of Trajan. It demonstrates that there are many parallels not only between the choice of individual marbles used in the two complexes, but also the ways that they were arranged, and it concludes that coloured marble played more than just a decorative role in the fora. Its meticulous arrangement and design were intrinsically connected with the everyday function of each space. The arrangement of coloured provided a navigational guide to visitors, directing the flow of movement within the complexes, and delineating and defining the space. This further provides an in-depth understanding to the wider choice of the individual marbles and their application in the ornamental design of the building.