Apollodorus of Damascus, a famous Greek architect, flourished during the 2nd century. He was a favourite of Trajan, for whom he constructed Trajan's Bridge over the Danube (104). He also planned a gymnasium, a college, public baths, the Odeum and the Forum Trajanum .

Trajan's Column in the centre of the Forum is celebrated as being the first triumphal monument of its kind. On the accession of Hadrian, whom he had offended ridiculing his performances as architect and artist, Apollodorus was banished and, shortly afterwards, being charged with imaginary crimes, put to death.