The Trajan Markets were built at different times by Caesar, Augustus, and Trajan. Originally smaller, they were expanded until they were surrounded by hills on all sides. These markets were absolutely meant to serve a practical function—a place to buy and sell goods, a place for community gathering, and also a place for business and judicial needs. Yet it was also the perfect platform for something Rome also valued: showing off. It was the perfect opportunity to create towering monuments, beautiful stonework, and amazing archways. In a way, the architecture of this space perfectly shows how Rome enjoyed going above and beyond to demonstrate their power and abilities. A simple market space would not do, but rather they had to have a magnificent public forum. Roman extravagance is seen in the intricate spaces carved into the Hemicycle, the semi-circular section surrounding the markets, as well as the height and carvings of Trajan’s column. Yet today it is hard to see most of the extravagance of Trajan’s Markets. Much of the marble that would have originally covered the walls has been stripped. The original market buildings were later used for fortifications and monasteries during the Middle Ages. It is hard to believe that such a magnificent structure could have fallen as it did, yet it shows how Rome could not sustain all of its elaborate ventures.