Ancient Rome had shopping malls. Some were 4 stories tall!
Trajan’s market is the oldest known shopping mall in history. It was 4 stories tall and had 150 shops and offices!Now, it's just a large complex of ruins in the city of Rome, Italy, located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end of the Colosseum.
Thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the arcades in Trajan's Market also housed the administrative offices to Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure, and it is still possible to visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library.
It's believed that Trajan’s Market was built in 100-110 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus. Can you imagine how awesome it would’ve been able to shop there?