Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is the oldest buildings of the Eternal City, where many years ago life was just bustling. This world-famous square has been the economic, political, and cultural center of the empire for centuries. It was on this territory that the most important events took place, both in the city itself and in the entire state. This area was famous for its various fairs, open courts, religious ceremonies, as well as other vibrant events.

And the history of the Roman Forum began back in the imperial period. The ruler Tarquin the Ancient, who ruled in the VII – VI centuries BC, wanted to change the situation in the state and seriously engaged in the drainage of swamps in this territory. Construction work has been actively carried out here, and gutters are being torn out. The next stage was the construction of the Forum, as a result of which new buildings began to appear in this area. Soon this territory was transformed beyond recognition, the Romans began to converge here for business meetings and negotiations, the local area imbued with the spirit of a unified state. The Roman Forum project itself was originally planned taking into account the fact that this territory would be the center of the state. Thus, this area was divided into parts, among which there were zones for trade, deity worship, negotiations, elections, as well as for various celebrations and ceremonies.

A little later, the Roman Forum turned into the economic and political center of the state. Temples and roads began to be built here. But at this time (approximately the II century BC), the local buildings were often used for other purposes. Court sessions could be observed in basilicas and adjacent squares, a treasury was located in the temple of Saturn, and coins were minted in the temple of Juno. It was very fashionable in those hours to erect sculptures dedicated to politicians. As a result, so many of them gathered in this square that the censors decided to remove them. Later, before erecting any such figure or building, it was necessary to coordinate with the Senate, as well as to obtain approval from the people. In the 1st century BC, human combat competitions took place on the site of the Roman Forum.

All the wars that ended with the victory of the Romans were also celebrated in the Roman Forum. In honor of such an event, triumphal arches were erected here, the material for which was stone. There was often a bas-relief on the arches, which represented the battle scenes. Such arches have survived to our time, among which the arch of Constantine, which was erected in honor of the victory over Maxentius in 315, has the best appearance. Nowadays, this area attracts many tourists from all over the world. The Curia, where the Senate met, looks very tempting. At that time, the Senate was formed by 900 people who could fit in these walls, as by our standards, this building was not enough for their meeting. Of course, nothing remains of the original building from time immemorial, but during the years of Mussolini's leadership, a replica was built here, which you can admire.

No less important objects of the Roman Forum are the tribunes of dei Rostri, where the government spoke, the remains of the Basilica of Emilia, the ancient cathedral of Saturn, as well as fragments of the Curtius crevice.

In addition to the ruins of famous temples located on the territory of the Roman Forum (Cathedral of the Dioscuri, Church of the Divine Julius, Temple of Vesta), the local area also attracts tourists with its heroic triumphal arches.

Getting to the Roman Forum will not be difficult, because it is located in the very center of modern Rome.