Caesar's Forum
Caesar's Forum appeared in the 50s BC, but it became known to modern travelers relatively recently. Initially, the purpose of the construction was to expand the Roman Forum, then it began to be used for conducting public affairs related to the Senate. It is known that Caesar erected a statue of his beloved horse in front of the temple.
The history of the creation of the Caesar Forum
The central square of Rome arose around 8 centuries BC without the intervention of architects and designers. It's just that this place was chosen by people to trade, discuss the latest news and decisions of the government of that time. By the way, the government itself gradually moved "closer to the people", erecting a Curia, basilicas and temples here. As the number of residents of the Eternal City grew, there was not enough available space to accommodate everyone. It was then that the great commander, strategist, politician and Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar allocated money from the treasury to buy a plot located next to the square. The acquisition of valuable territory was entrusted to Cicero, known for his eloquence. In support of his amazing talent for communication, the philosopher and speaker received an incredible sum of 60 million sesterces at that time (some scientists increase this amount by one and a half times).
The deal was successful, and soon the area increased in size. The attached site was named Caesar's Forum. Moreover, this name was invented by ordinary people.
Description of Caesar's Forum
A long time ago, the square was decorated with the temple of Venus and the Silver Basilica, which was a kind of stock exchange, as well as the location of jewelry shops and shops. Organized tourists will definitely be told the legend associated with the appearance of the temple.
Back in 48 BC, Caesar found himself trapped by his former friend and comrade-in-arms Pompey. The small army of the Roman emperor could not be compared with the enemy's army of thousands. But Caesar could not retreat or surrender to the enemy. He had staked all available resources on the coming battle. Before the battle, the ruler made a vow to his heavenly patroness Venus (it was believed that the Julia family descended from this goddess) to build a magnificent temple in her honor.
Either military talent or the help of higher powers played a role, but Pompey was defeated and shamefully fled to Egypt. However, this decision was not entirely correct either: Caesar was loved and revered in a hot country, and therefore they quickly got rid of their former friend and true traitor.
The temple built on the square has become one of the most unusual religious buildings in Rome. It consisted of marble columns and a portico. Unfortunately, only completely scattered remains of this building have survived to this day, but, according to historians, there was a huge figure of Venus, made of bronze and covered with gold. Not far from the goddess was an equestrian statue of Caesar, made of the same materials. The ruler did not ignore his beloved either: an impressive portrait of Cleopatra became the decoration of one of the walls of the temple.
The temple itself was used by Caesar as a meeting place for political figures and making important decisions. Caesar's Forum was destroyed and rebuilt several times, until it was finally destroyed by mobs of barbarians, who dragged the beautiful building to the stones.
Only fragments of the workshops remain, so one can only guess at the former greatness of the square. Caesar's Forum is still located in the center of Rome today. It is of great interest to those who study history.
