The first spiral of the column of Trajan depicts a scene along the Danube River that grows in narrative complexity as it progresses from left to right. It begins with the depiction of a few structures on the otherwise empty shore; then, as it gradually advances, it includes watchmen, and then the buildings of a town behind the over-sized profile of the anthropomorphized river god, the Danube; and it continues with the advance of the Roman army across the water on a bridge of boats.

This section of the column has been divided into four parts for ease of comparison. The section includes the column of Trajan plates 1-8 and the column of Marcus Aurelius scenes 1-4a.

Select each part from the menu above.