Museo: Foro Romano

Welcome to the Roman Forum

Hello, little archaeologists! What you see before you is the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Although today it is a collection of ruins, once there was a grand square here surrounded by temples, palaces, and statues. It was the center of the city's life, where decisions were made, prayers were offered, commerce was conducted, and politics were discussed. Initially, however, this place was not like this at all. It was a marshy area, full of water and mud. Only around 600 B.C., when the Etruscan kings ruled, was a decision made to build a large canal, the Cloaca Maxima, to drain the water away. This made the land drier and construction possible. Over time, the Forum changed a lot. During the Republic and later under the Emperors, increasingly large and important buildings were added. For Roman citizens, this was the place where many daily activities took place. After the end of the Empire, however, the Forum was abandoned. Some buildings collapsed, while others were repurposed to build churches. Eventually, the entire area was covered with earth and used as grazing land for animals. For a long time, it was known as "Campo Vaccino," which means field of cows. It was only from the 1800s, with archaeological excavations, that this place came back to light. Today, we can visit it to better understand what life was like in ancient Rome.

The Arch of Titus

Welcome to the Arch of Titus, an impressive stone arch constructed long ago, nearly two thousand years ago, to commemorate the Roman Emperor named Titus. This arch was commissioned by his brother, Domitian, in the year 81 AD. It was a way to tell everyone how important Titus had been and to celebrate a military victory of his: he had led the Roman army in the war against the city of Jerusalem. The arch stands about 15 meters high and 13 meters wide, made of very white and precious marble. Although some parts are no longer there, we can still read (thanks to traces on the marble) what was once inscribed on it: "The Senate and the People of Rome to the divine Titus." This means that Titus, after his death, was honored as a god, according to the traditions of Ancient Rome. If you look closely inside the arch, you can see two beautiful images carved in stone: On one side, there are Roman soldiers returning to Rome with the loot taken from Jerusalem: sacred objects like the Menorah, a large seven-branched candelabrum, and other precious vessels. On the other side, there is Titus on a chariot drawn by horses, as in festive processions. Nearby are figures representing deities, such as the goddess Victoria. This arch helps us understand how important it was for the Romans to remember their achievements and build monuments to ensure they were not forgotten. And if you ever visit Paris or New York, you can see similar arches inspired by this very one: the Arc de Triomphe and the Washington Square Arch. The Arch of Titus, therefore, has become a model for many other monuments around the world!

The Sacred Way

The path you are walking on is a very special road: it is called the Via Sacra, and it was the main street of ancient Rome! The Via Sacra crossed the Roman Forum and was paved with large dark stones, which you can still see beneath your feet. Imagine: on these stones walked emperors, soldiers, priests, and Roman citizens! This road was not just for moving around. It was used for religious ceremonies and victory parades, when generals returned from war and celebrated with the people. It was also the route for the funeral processions of important figures of Rome. The Via Sacra started at the Arch of Titus, passed by grand buildings such as the Basilica of Maxentius and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and reached the Capitoline Hill, the sacred hill where the most important temples were located. If you look closely at the stones, you will see they are worn and smooth: this is the mark left by thousands of feet and carts that have passed here over the centuries! In certain spots, the road was raised and repaired several times, telling us how much it was used and cherished by the Romans. The Via Sacra was also full of shops, courthouses, and meeting places, and it was always bustling with life.

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

In front of you is the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, constructed nearly two thousand years ago. It is one of the best-preserved temples in the forum and has partly become a church today. The Emperor Antoninus Pius had it built in 141 AD in honor of his deceased wife Faustina, whom the Romans had "deified," meaning they believed she had become a goddess. After Antoninus' own death, he was honored in the same way, and the temple was dedicated to both of them. Looking closely at the building, you can still see its six large Corinthian columns, almost 17 meters tall, made from a marble called cipollino, characterized by greenish veins. This marble was transported from Greece to Rome using ships and carts. Over time, the temple has changed. Around the 7th century, it was transformed into a Christian church dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a highly revered martyred deacon. This transformation helped preserve it through the centuries when many other Roman buildings were either destroyed or abandoned. During the Middle Ages, a staircase was added, and some entrances were modified. Later, in the 1600s, the church's interior was restructured by an architect named Orazio Torriani, who constructed a large central nave with chapels on the sides. Today, within its walls, you can also admire famous paintings, such as the "Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence" by Pietro da Cortona. This building perfectly exemplifies how, over time, Roman and Christian histories have merged at the same place.

The Basilica of Maxentius

Young archaeologists, we now stand before one of the largest and most impressive buildings of ancient Rome: the Basilica of Maxentius. Although today only part of it remains, once upon a time, this construction was towering and gigantic, almost like a modern convention center! It was built more than 1,700 years ago, in 306 AD, by an emperor named Maxentius. However, he did not manage to finish it because he was defeated in battle by another emperor, Constantine, who completed the building shortly afterward. But what was a basilica in ancient Rome? It was not a church, as we might think today. It was a public place where trials, important meetings, and commercial contracts took place. In short, it was a kind of courthouse and office all in one! The Basilica was incredibly long, nearly 100 meters, 65 meters wide, and as tall as a 10-story building! Inside, there were three large naves: a taller and brighter central one and two lower side ones. The roof was supported by enormous arches and cross vaults, a technique that the Romans had already used in the baths. Imagine colorful marbles on the floor, elegant decorations on the walls, and a gigantic statue of the emperor, about 12 meters high! Of that statue, today we only have the head, a hand, and a knee, which can be seen at the Capitoline Museums. This basilica is a perfect example of how the Romans knew how to build magnificent and durable structures, and it even influenced medieval churches built centuries later!

The Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins

Before you stands a truly special temple: the Temple of Vesta. It is round, small, and resembles a hut... but not just any hut! Inside, in ancient Rome, burned the city’s sacred fire, a flame that was never to be extinguished. Why? Because that fire represented the strength and protection of Rome. If it went out, the Romans believed something terrible might happen to the people! Taking care of this crucial flame were priestesses known as Vestal Virgins. They were six girls, chosen when they were only 6 or 10 years old. They lived right next door, in a grand house called the Atrium Vestae. Their home was beautiful, with a large courtyard, elegant colonnades, and many rooms. The Vestals were tasked with protecting the flame of Vesta and had to remain chaste for a full 30 years. In return, they enjoyed incredible privileges: reserved seats in theaters, the ability to testify in trials, and the right to manage their own property, a rarity for Roman women. But beware... if a Vestal broke the rules, the punishment was very severe and could mean being buried alive. This architectural complex tells us not only about Roman religion but also about the unique role these women held in a male-dominated society.

The Curia Julia: The House of Great Decisions

Here we are at the Curia Julia! The great Julius Caesar planned to build it in 44 B.C. to replace an old Curia that had been destroyed by fire. However, he did not live to see it completed, as it was his successor, Augustus, who inaugurated it in 29 B.C. Look at the brick façade: it is very well preserved because, many years later, in the 7th century, it was transformed into a church! This transformation protected it from looting, which unfortunately happened to many other Roman buildings. As you enter, take a look at the floor! It is a mosaic made with beautiful colored marbles sourced from all over the Empire. The walls were once covered with precious marbles, and there were also many statues of deities and emperors. The Curia Julia could accommodate 300 senators, who were very important people. It was here that laws were decided upon, decisions on whether Rome should go to war were made, or even whether an emperor should be deified or not! It was the heart of Rome, where every aspect of public life could be discussed. A unique feature of the Curia Julia is that, thanks to its special shape, the voice of the speaker was well heard throughout the hall. The room was designed in such a way that its width, length, and height were perfectly equal, creating a perfect equilibrium.

The Rostra: The Platform of Great Orators

Here we are at the Speaker's Platform, also known as the Rostra. This name derives from the "rostra," which were the bronze rams placed on enemy ships that the Romans had captured after a great victory in 338 BC. These rams were used to decorate the platform and display the Romans' power in battle. Initially, the platform was located elsewhere, but then the great Julius Caesar decided to move it to the Roman Forum in the 1st century BC, where we can admire it today. This structure was completed by Augustus. The new platform, known as the Rostra Augusti, was very long (about 24 meters!) and high (3 meters), and it bore the rams of enemy ships on top. From this platform, orators (meaning those designated to speak in public) addressed the people of Rome. Here, Mark Antony, one of the most important men in Rome, delivered a famous speech for Caesar, which inflamed the crowd and angered many Romans. Cicero, another famous orator, spoke here against Mark Antony, and many tribunes of the plebs, who were the people's representatives, also presented their ideas for improving life in Rome.

The Arch of Septimius Severus

Here we are at the Arch of Septimius Severus, a truly imposing monument located in the northwestern part of the Roman Forum. This arch was built in 203 AD to celebrate the victories of Septimius Severus, the emperor of Rome, and his sons Caracalla and Geta, against a people known as the Parthians, who lived in what is now Iran. The arch is incredibly tall: it measures nearly 23 meters in height and 25 meters in width! It is made of white marble that came from an area known as Proconnesus, which today is part of Turkey. The structure has three openings: a large one in the center and two smaller ones on the sides. Look closely at the four large panels on the sides of the arch. They narrate the stories of the battles and sieges during the war against the Parthians. They aren't just battle scenes, but also feature special moments such as when the emperor spoke to his troops or when the defeated kings were brought before him. Above the arch, there is an inscription that was dedicated to the emperor and his sons. But there is an interesting fact: initially, the inscription also mentioned Geta, but when Caracalla had his brother killed to become the sole emperor, his name was erased from all official inscriptions. This is an act called "damnatio memoriae," which means they wanted to erase all traces of Geta from history. Once, atop the arch, there was a bronze quadriga, that is, a chariot drawn by horses, with Septimius Severus and his sons on it. Unfortunately, this statue no longer exists; it was likely destroyed or recycled over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, the arch was included in a church called Saints Sergius and Bacchus, and thanks to this, it has been preserved up to the present day!

The Temple of Saturn

Before you stand eight tall and imposing columns made of gray and pink granite. These columns are part of one of the most significant buildings of ancient Rome: the Temple of Saturn! The initial construction of this temple dates back to 497 BC, shortly after the Romans expelled the Etruscan kings and the Roman Republic was born. At that time, building a grand temple for Saturn, the god of abundance and the Golden Age, was highly important because it symbolized a new beginning for Rome, under the signs of prosperity and stability. However, the temple was rebuilt multiple times, the last reconstruction occurring in AD 283, after a great fire had destroyed it. The columns you see today still support part of the pediment, and upon it, there is an inscription meaning "The Senate and the People of Rome have rebuilt what the fire had destroyed." The Temple of Saturn was not only a place where the Romans worshipped the god Saturn but also the site where Rome's treasury, called the Aerarium, was kept. It housed the state's gold, the most important documents, and the military insignias. Every year, between December 17th and 23rd, Rome celebrated a festival called Saturnalia. During this celebration, the temple became the focal point of the festivities. The statues of the god Saturn were freed from the woolen bindings that usually enveloped them, symbolizing freedom from rules. During this time, social hierarchies were inverted: even slaves could sit at the table with their masters! The Temple of Saturn was located right at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, the most important site in Rome. Anyone entering the Forum would first pass by here, and the building conveyed a clear message: Rome was powerful and stable. The temple's podium, made of tuff and travertine, remains today one of the most beautiful examples of Roman construction techniques.

The Temple of the Deified Julius

In the heart of ancient Rome, right where you stand, rose the Temple of Divus Julius, constructed at the very site where Julius Caesar was cremated after his famous assassination on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. The idea to build a temple for him came from Octavian, who would later become Emperor Augustus. Octavian wanted to honor his adoptive father Caesar and, at the same time, strengthen his power in Rome. The temple was inaugurated in 29 B.C., during a grand celebration for Octavian's victories in Egypt. This was the first temple dedicated to a Roman citizen who had become a god, marking the beginning of a new cult: that of the divine emperors. Imagine how this temple must have appeared: it stood on a high podium (a sort of raised base), decorated with rostra, which are the bronze prows of enemy ships, symbols of victory in the Battle of Actium. The facade of the temple was likely adorned with Ionic or Corinthian columns, and inside was a large statue of Caesar with a star above, indicating that, after his death, he had become one of the gods. Today, we can still see part of this podium, made of blocks of tuff and travertine, and right in the center, there is a rectangular niche. This was the spot where the funerary altar was located, upon which Caesar's body was burned.