The Decennalia Base in the Forum in Rome, July 2012

Decennalia Base (303 AD)

Discovered in 1547, the Decennalia Base (Base dei Decennali) has been re-erected near its original position in the Rostra of the Imperial Forum. It is part of a set of five honorary columns erected in 303 AD for Diocletian's first visit to Rome on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his reign and the 10th anniversary of the Tetrarchy (a four-emperor system).

The columns were monoliths in pink Aswan marble; fragments can be seen on the ground north of the custodian's hut. The middle column had a statue of Jupiter, the others carried statues of the four emperors.

All four sides of the base are decorated with high-quality reliefs in Proconnesian marble. The front side shows two winged Victories holding a medallion reading "Happy Tenth Anniversary of the Caesars."

The left side depicts a procession of Roman senators in ornately folded togas; the right shows a bull, sheep and pig being led to sacrifice. On the back is the emperor making a sacrifice as he is crowned by a winged Victory and the gods Mars, Roma and Sol Invictus look on.


Text from: www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-roman-forum