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Trajan's Column, found in Trajan's Forum of Rome, is one of the most notable triumphal columns in the city. It depicts the campaigns of the Roman emperor during the Dacian Wars and serves as a monument to his successes. https://twitter.com/FlintCLST6/status/1323682034322231296

One of the interesting aspects that we can explore from the spiral reliefs of the column is their depiction of the processes of Roman warfare and the preparations necessary for it. Here I will focus on the lower column and its depiction of the First Dacian War.

Elaborate rituals were an important aspect of the process of going to war, depicted below. Music and sacrifice both took place in the build up the battles, with much more ceremony than we would see in modern warfare.

We also gain insight into the political nature of warfare and the deliberation that goes into making decisions of this nature. Farther along the spiral, we begin to see some of the depictions of the Council of War, assisting in planning for war.

Finally, we of course get a demonstration of the major events from the war, including the crossing of the Danube that would ultimately lead to victory for the Romans. The relief's avoidance of depicting the major scenes of violent warfare put emphasis on his strategic thinking.

Overall, the column served not only to illustrate the successes of Trajan's military campaigns, but also serve as propaganda for his rule by demonstrating both his solider's strengths and his orderly rule.

Sources:
Ulrich, Trajan's Column in Rome, http://www.trajans-column.org 
Kleiner, Roman Art, 2018, pages 190-192

Image Credit:
http://www.trajans-column.org