Roman Forum In Rome

History

The site was actually an Etruscan burial place, which was first developed in the 7th century BC, and eventually became the commercial, social and political hub of the Roman Empire. At one point of time, it was even referred to as the Campo Vaccine or the pastureland as it was left untouched by the urban developments of Rome. It was primarily unearthed in the 18th and 19th Century and still continue to be unearthed until date.

During the era of the Roman Kingdom, it was an open marketplace due to its placement in the central point, but eventually, civil trials and political speeches started taking up space. Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, began the tradition of Vestal and you can find Casa Della Vestal, which is the home of virgins. Comitia was another place, which was accessible to all easily and where two parties used to meet to form an alliance. There were a number of Basilicas erected during the Roman Republic Era such as Basilica Fluvial and Basilica Sempronia.

Description

The Roman Forum has developed steadily over the centuries. With the impact of urbanization, a large number of buildings surrounded the Roman Forum making it shrink from 130 meters to 50 meters. Basilica Julia on the South and Basilica Aemilia on the North, which helped to define the form of this Forum during the Imperial Period, surround this area. This place has seen warriors such as Julius Caesar, Sulla and Augustus. The travertine paving which is still visible dates back to the control of Augustus.

Landmarks

The most remarkable landmarks include 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. The last monument built within the forum is the Column of Phocas, which is worth seeing. Tullianum is another worthwhile place, which can be visited, as it was the prison that was used to hold a number of foreign generals and leaders. Some of these ancient monuments have vanished or are in ruins and some are still standing as they were reconstructed.

Attractions of Roman Forum

Temple of Saturn: The temple of Saturn tells about the ancient city of Rome. There was a statue of Saturn inside the temple which was hollow and was always filled with olive oil. During the Pagan festival, sacrifices were made to God.  

Arch of Titus: This arch was commissioned by Emperor Domitian to commemorate the victory of his elder brother Titus against Jerusalem.

Arch of Constantine: This arch was commissioned by Roman Senate to commemorate the victory of Constantine I over Maxentius in the year 312 in the battle of Malvian Bridge.

Basilica of Maxentius: Now only the ruins of this basilica are left which tells how gigantic this Basilica was in the past. This basilica is also known as the Basilica of Constantine as Maxentius began the construction of this basilica however, it was during the reign of Constantine that this Basilica was completed.

Curia: This was one of the oldest building to be constructed in the forum and it was the place where the Senator used to meet to take the political and administrative decisions.

It is very confusing yet truly impressive that the Roman Forum is actually an extraordinary sprawl of ruins, ancient Rome's central showpiece, a magnificent district of basilicas and temples, and vivacious spaces for the public.