Column of Foca - Free Audio Guide

The Column of Phocas, located in the Roman Forum, is a monumental column dedicated to the emperor Phocas in 608 AD. Standing at 13.6 meters tall, it is the last honorific monument erected in the Forum. Originally constructed in the 2nd century, it served as a base for a statue of Phocas, which was removed shortly after its installation. The column symbolizes the emperor's brief reign and the political dynamics of the time, particularly amid the pressures faced by Rome. Visitors can admire its Corinthian design and the inscription that pays tribute to Phocas's clemency. The site is accessible to tourists, and no admission fee is required for entry into the Roman Forum.