Victory as commemorative act

Abstract

This paper is a study of the tropaion as a commemorative act and analyzes in particular the post-Persian War memorials at Marathon, the post-Actian tropaeum at Nikopolis, and Nelson’s Column in London’s Trafalgar Square. Through the investigation of these three case-studies, this paper seeks to characterize how victory is commemorated through the erection of trophy monuments and how these monuments operate in ancient Greek, Roman, and Imperial British society. In each case, the aftermath of a momentous battle occasions a commemorative monument. Inherent in the monument is the desire to memorialize the victory itself, as well as express a chosen national or imperial identity. Of central importance is how societies define and manifest power through the use of artistic visual representation like the tropaion. What effect and power the monument has and how its messages are transmitted through its respective society is also addressed. Ultimately, the victory monument derives it power from the simple act of commemoration, which is carried out through ritual performances that form a collective memory and identity. By drawing parallels between the three examples, this paper illustrates how commemoration of victory resonates with themes of imperialism and hero worship