What ancient Roman market complex in Rome is considered the world's oldest shopping mall?

The ancient Roman market complex in Rome often considered the world’s oldest shopping mall is Trajan’s Market.

The complex was probably built between AD 100 and 110 during Emperor Trajan’s reign and was inaugurated in AD 113. Its construction is traditionally associated with Apollodorus of Damascus, the architect connected with Trajan’s Forum and other major imperial projects.

Trajan’s Market was built into the slopes of the Quirinal Hill and contained multiple levels of rooms, arcades and shops. Its striking semicircular Great Hall helped stabilize the hillside while creating a busy architectural setting beside Trajan’s Forum. The complex also included administrative spaces and, according to some interpretations, apartments and commercial areas.

The phrase “world’s oldest shopping mall” is a modern comparison, not an ancient Roman title. Many scholars now emphasize that parts of the complex may have served administrative rather than purely retail purposes. Even so, Trajan’s Market remains the standard answer to this popular trivia description.