Roman Forum, Rome (Italy)

Forum Romano famously known as Roman Forum is a piazza in the centre of Rome, Italy. It is surrounded by several buildings of historical significance. As per historical evidence states that this is the place where trade and commerce took place. For ages, this was the epicentre of a commoner in Rome. Many leaders during the time used this spot as a way to reach the public through their speeches, most of the processions and elections were also held here as a result. Gladiator combats are another thing Rome is famous for and given that the Roman Forum was the common meeting place for many a lot of these events were held here.

History

This spot was once developed as an Etruscan burial place which eventually turned into a commercial, social and political hub for the Roman Empire after the 7th century BC. For many years it was left untouched by the urban developments of Rome and was referred to as Campo Vaccine or pastureland. It was first excavated in the 18th and 19th century and still remains today as unearthed till date.

The Roman Forum started off by being an open market place during the era of the Roman Kingdom because of its location but as years passed by civil trials and political speeches started taking place. The famous tradition of Vestal was started off by the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius which is still been followed till date, Casa Della Vestal, which is the home of virgins can also be found here. During the Roman Republic era, there were many Basilicas erected such as Basilica Fluvial and Basilica Sempronia.

Description

Over the centuries Roman Forum has evolved a lot, what once used to be 130-metre market space shrunk to a 50m spot of remains with the impact of urbanization, a large number of buildings surrounded the plaza. Basilicas on either side of the Forum namely Basilica Julia on the South and Basilica Aemilia on the North helped understand the form of the Forum in Imperial times. There are structures near the forum which dates back to the times of Caesar, Sulla and Augustus, who have all been a part of the evolution of this Forum

Landmarks

The Curia, the Casa dell Vestal and the Arco di Settimio Severo, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Venus and Roma, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Arch of Septimius Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Maxima and Arch of Titus are some of the most remarkable monuments that the Forum contains. The Column of Phocas is the last monument which was built in the Roman Forum, which is itself a sight to watch. Another worthwhile place that can be visited is the Tullianum, which was the prison that held a number of foreign generals and leaders. Most of the monuments are remains from the past and some even have vanished over the years but the government of Rome tries to protect and reconstruct these monuments as much as possible. If you are not a huge fan of history and don’t want to spend your time seeing all the monuments then some of the must-see monuments are Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, Arch of Constantine, Arch of Constantine, Curia. The Roman Forum is a very confusing yet impressive space which showcases the sprawl of ruins, ancient Rome’s structures, districts of beautifully built Basilicas and temples.

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