This was the largest and grandest of all the fora, being built to one
design by the celebrated architect Apollodorus of Damascus (Dion
Cassius). No author has given us any detailed account of the beautiful
group of buildings that formed this forum, but what passages there are
tend to show its magnificence. There was first of all an open space,
or the forum proper, surrounded by a double row of shops, one above
the other. In the centre of this space was the colossal equestrian
statue of the emperor (Marcellinus, xvi. 10). Beyond this, crossing
the whole width of the forum, was the basilica called, after the
family name of the emperor, Ulpia. Beyond this was the celebrated
pillar, behind which stood the Temple of Trajan, with the libraries on
either side. The portion excavated is only a small piece of the whole,
which extends under the houses all round. The size of the basilica can
be made out from the gray granite pillars which once supported the
roof. It was sometimes called the Hall of Liberty, from the slaves
receiving their freedom here.