Roman Forum: At the Heart of the Empir

A journey through the majestic ruins that were the political, religious, and social center of ancient Rome. The itinerary is ideal for those who wish to understand the evolution of Rome from a small settlement to the capital of a vast empire.

Introduction to the Roman Forum The Roman Forum, known in Latin as "Forum Romanum", is a sprawling complex of ancient governmental buildings in the heart of Rome. For centuries, this area was the nucleus of Roman public life. The sprawling ruins, which have been excavated over time, bear testimony to Rome’s rich history and are a testament to its cultural and political influence. The Forum was initially a marketplace but eventually evolved into the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. It was here that public speeches were made, elections were held, and triumphal processions took place. Emperors erected monuments and temples, which became significant both architecturally and symbolically. The area was bustling with activity as it also housed the Senate, the treasury, and served as a venue for criminal trials and public gatherings. Today, the Roman Forum is a popular tourist attraction, providing a window into ancient Rome's grand legacy. Visitors can roam among the remnants of this once vibrant center, exploring famous structures such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Curia Julia where the Senate would meet. The site is not only a major archaeological site but also a symbol of the historical significance and enduring influence of ancient Rome on modern culture and governance. Walking through the Roman Forum offers a tangible connection to the narratives and people who have shaped history over two thousand years ago.

Welcome to the Roman Forum, the vibrant heart of public life in ancient Rome and one of the world's most evocative archaeological sites. Today, as you stroll among the monumental ruins stretching between the Palatine Hill, the Capitoline Hill, and the Colosseum, it is hard to imagine that this valley was originally a marshy area used as a necropolis by the communities settled on the surrounding hills. It was only towards the end of the 7th century BC, under the Etruscan dynasty of the Tarquins, that the area was reclaimed thanks to the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, a large sewer system that enabled water drainage, making the area habitable and healthy. From that moment on, the Forum began to develop as the city's political, religious, commercial, and judicial center: a true "square" — as suggested by the Latin term "forum" — where the destinies of the res publica were intertwined. Over time, the Forum was enriched with temples, triumphal arches, platforms, basilicas, and monuments, reflecting Rome's growing power: from the monarchical period to the Republican era, reaching its imperial peak. However, if the Forum was for centuries the focal point of Roman life, with the fall of the Empire and the barbarian invasions it experienced a long decline. Its buildings were progressively abandoned, dismantled, or transformed into Christian churches, while the area eventually became buried and used as pasture — so much so that until the 18th century, it was known as "Campo Vaccino." It was only in the modern era, particularly with the Unification of Italy, that systematic archaeological excavations began to uncover this extraordinary palimpsest of millennial history.

The Arch of Titus

Welcome to the majestic Arch of Titus, the monumental gateway into the vibrant heart of ancient Rome. Erected in 81 AD at the behest of Emperor Domitian, this triumphal arch was dedicated to the memory of his older brother Titus, in honor of his deification and military achievements, particularly the victory over Judea which culminated in the conquest of Jerusalem in 70 AD during the First Jewish-Roman War. Standing approximately 15 meters tall and 13 meters wide, the arch is constructed from lunense marble (Carrara marble) and is one of the most refined and influential examples of Roman celebratory architecture. The monument consists of a single archway surmounted by an attic housing the dedicatory inscription in bronze letters (now lost, but reconstructed thanks to the impressions left in the marble). Within the archway, two extraordinary bas-reliefs can be admired: On the southern side, the Roman triumphal procession is depicted, with soldiers carrying the spoils taken from the Temple of Jerusalem: among the sacred objects, the Menorah (the famous seven-branched candelabrum), silver trumpets, and ritual vessels are prominently featured. This is one of the oldest visual documents of the furnishings of the Second Jewish Temple. On the northern side, Emperor Titus is depicted in triumph on a quadriga chariot, accompanied by divine allegories: the goddess Roma guides the horses, and the goddess Victory crowns him with a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph and eternal glory. The inscription on the attic reads: "The Senate and the People of Rome [dedicate this monument] to the divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian, Vespasian Augustus." This formula echoes the practice of imperial apotheosis, which saw some emperors deified after death, consolidating their public image and the dynasty's legitimacy. The Arch of Titus is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a political and cultural document: it testifies to Rome's power, its ability to absorb and represent subdued cultures, while simultaneously reflecting the tensions with the province of Judea. For centuries, the arch has been a subject of symbolic controversy even within the Jewish community, who avoided passing under it for a long time. Finally, this monument has had a strong influence on Western celebratory architecture: it inspired modern triumphal arches like the Arch of Constantine (a short walk from here), the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and even architectural elements of Washington Square in New York.

The Sacred Way

Welcome to the Via Sacra, the main artery that runs through the vibrant heart of ancient Rome. This road, paved with lava stone, was not just a connecting pathway but represented the very symbol of Roman grandeur. The Via Sacra was the stage for solemn moments, such as religious processions and funerary corteges of illustrious figures. The Via Sacra began at the Arch of Titus, continued past the Basilica of Maxentius, flanked the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, passed near the Curia, and ended at the Capitol. Along this route, Romans also conducted important religious processions, physically and symbolically connecting the city's major temples. The very name, Via Sacra, derives from its role in sacred ceremonies. Over the centuries, the road was repeatedly raised and repaved, as evidenced by the various archaeological layers visible today. Notice the worn stones: they are the marks of thousands of footsteps that trod this path for over a millennium. From ordinary citizens to the most powerful emperors, all have walked where you now walk. The Via Sacra was not just a passageway but a lively public space, with shops, courts, and meeting places that made it the true center of Roman daily life.

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

Before you stands one of the most fascinating examples of historical continuity in the Roman Forum: the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, today partially incorporated into the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. The Temple was erected in 141 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius in memory of his wife Faustina the Elder, who was deified after her death. Upon Antoninus Pius's death in 161 AD, the temple was also dedicated to him, as testified by the inscription on the architrave: "To the divine Antoninus and the divine Faustina, by decree of the Senate." Observe the majestic pronaos with its six Corinthian columns made of cipollino marble that rise to nearly 17 meters. These monolithic columns, with their distinct greenish veins, were transported from the island of Euboea in Greece, a testament to the vast resources of the empire. In the course of the 7th century, the temple was transformed into the Christian church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, dedicated to the Roman deacon and martyr Lawrence. This transformation contributed to the preservation of the building through the centuries. During the Middle Ages, significant modifications were made: a staircase was built on the Forum side, and the entrance was adapted for liturgical use. In the 17th century, architect Orazio Torriani restructured the church, creating a single nave with three side chapels. Inside, one can admire notable works of art, including the "Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence" by Pietro da Cortona and the "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Domenichino.

The Basilica of Maxentius

Welcome to the Basilica of Maxentius, one of the most imposing structures of the Roman Forum. This majestic building was initiated in 306 AD by Emperor Maxentius during one of the most turbulent periods of the Late Empire, and was completed after 312 AD by his adversary and successor Constantine. The basilica was a public building intended to host courts, assemblies, and administrative activities, and unlike later Christian basilicas, it had no religious function. It was therefore a civic space, one of the most important places of Roman public life. Legal proceedings took place here, contracts were signed, and commercial transactions were conducted. The dimensions were extraordinary: about 100 meters in length, 65 meters in width, and 35 meters in height in the central nave. The space was divided into three naves: a taller central one and two lower lateral ones. The central nave was covered by three enormous groin vaults, an innovative technique for that era, already experimented with in thermal complexes. The lateral naves, on the other hand, were covered by barrel vaults. The entire structure relied on a framework of brick and concrete pillars and arches, originally covered with precious marbles and stucco. The floor was decorated with polychrome marble slabs, in styles similar to those used in Imperial baths. The main access was from the eastern side (toward the current Via dei Fori Imperiali), where a monumental facade was located. At the opposite end, on the western side, stood a colossal seated statue of the emperor, approximately 12 meters high: today, only some fragments (head, hand, and knee) are preserved in the Capitoline Museums. The floor was clad in precious colored marbles, while the walls were decorated with marble slabs and stuccos. The Basilica of Maxentius perfectly represents the transition between classical Roman architecture and what would later become Byzantine architecture, with its innovative vault system that would profoundly influence subsequent constructions, including medieval cathedrals.

The Temple of Vesta and the Home of the Vestal Virgins

We are now in front of the Temple of Vesta. This small circular building, located in the heart of the Roman Forum, housed the sacred fire of the city, a symbol of Rome's continuity and prosperity. Its shape recalls ancient Italic huts, symbolizing the domestic hearth, as Vesta was the goddess of the hearth and home. The flame was considered so important that its extinguishment was interpreted as an omen of impending calamities for the State. Next to the temple lies the House of the Vestals, a sumptuous residence where the six priestesses consecrated to the goddess's worship resided. These young women, selected from patrician families aged 6-10, served the goddess for 30 years, maintaining a vow of chastity. The house, known as the Atrium Vestae, was an elaborate complex with a large central courtyard surrounded by porticos and residential quarters. The Vestals enjoyed extraordinary privileges: they could testify in trials without taking an oath, manage properties, and had reserved seats in theaters and games. However, if they broke the vow of chastity, the punishment was dire: to be buried alive. This 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

Welcome to the Curia Julia. This austere and solemn building was commissioned by Julius Caesar in 44 BC to replace the previous Curia Hostilia, which was destroyed in a fire during political conflicts. The new Senate house was meant to symbolize the institutional rebirth of Rome under his control, but Caesar did not live to see its completion: it was his heir, Augustus, who inaugurated it in 29 BC, integrating it into the vast program of monumentalization of the city. Observe the imposing brick façade: its surprising state of preservation is due to its conversion into a Christian church (Sant’Adriano al Foro) in the 7th century, which protected it from the looting of materials, a common fate for many Roman buildings. Inside, you can still admire the original floor in opus sectile, a refined mosaic of polychrome and precious marbles sourced from every corner of the Empire. The walls, once lined with luxurious marbles, housed statues of deities and emperors. The Curia Julia could accommodate about 300 senators, representatives of the Roman ruling class, who discussed laws, ratified treaties, approved wars or honors, and even decreed posthumous divinization of emperors here. The Curia was more than just a building: it represented the political heart of Rome, where laws were debated, war declarations were made, and peace treaties were negotiated. Noteworthy is also the acoustics of the environment, designed to naturally amplify the voice, and the proportions of the room — width, length, and height identical, in perfect symbolic balance. In short, the Curia Julia was not just an administrative building: it was the temple of the word, the space where the supreme power of deliberation was exercised.

The Rostra: the voice of the Republic

The speaker's platform, known as the Rostra, owes its name to the "rostra," the bronze rams of enemy ships captured during the naval victory against the people of Antium in 338 B.C., which were used to adorn this platform as a symbol of military might. Originally located in the Comitium, the podium was reconstructed and moved to its present location in the Roman Forum by Julius Caesar in the 1st century B.C., and completed by Augustus. The new structure, known as the Rostra Augusti, stood on a masonry base covered in marble, decorated with the rams from enemy ships, and measured approximately 24 meters in length and 3 meters in height. From this platform, the most renowned orators in Roman history addressed the populace. It was from here that Mark Antony delivered the famous funeral speech for Caesar, also described by Shakespeare, which stirred the public against the conspirators. Cicero, on the other hand, pronounced his Philippics against Mark Antony, and countless tribunes of the plebs presented their legislative proposals to the citizens. The Rostra represented the beating heart of Roman democracy, the place where politics and rhetoric intertwined, where words could determine the fate of the Empire. Here, the future of Rome was decided through the art of persuasion and the power of speech, in an era when eloquence was considered one of the highest virtues of the Roman citizen.

Arch of Septimius Severus

Majestic and imposing, the Arch of Septimius Severus stands to the northwest of the Roman Forum, a silent witness to over eighteen centuries of history. Built in 203 AD, this monumental triumphal arch celebrates the military victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta in the campaigns against the Parthians, an ancient people from what is now Iran. The arch measures nearly 23 meters in height and 25 meters in width, and is entirely clad in white marble from Proconnesus (modern-day Turkey), resting on a sturdy travertine base. The structure features three passageways: a larger central one and two smaller lateral ones. Observe the four large relief panels on the piers: they depict different phases of the Parthian campaigns with extraordinary richness of detail. Not only battles and sieges, but also symbolic moments such as the allocutio (the emperor's speech to the troops) and the presentation of the defeated rulers. Above the central passageway, the dedicatory inscription has been the subject of notable historical intervention: it originally mentioned Geta as well, but after Caracalla had his brother assassinated in 212 AD to eliminate any rivals to the throne, his name was erased everywhere, including this inscription. This act, known as damnatio memoriae, was a condemnation to oblivion imposed by the Senate or the emperor himself, aimed at erasing every official trace of the targeted person. At one time, a majestic bronze quadriga stood atop the arch, with Septimius Severus at the helm, flanked by his sons. Unfortunately, no trace of this sculptural group remains today, likely destroyed or repurposed over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, the arch was incorporated into the church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, thereby contributing to its preservation.

Temple of Saturn

Before you stands majestically the eight Corinthian columns made of gray and pink granite, silent witnesses to one of the most important buildings of ancient Rome: the Temple of Saturn. The first construction dates back to 497 BC, just a few years after the expulsion of the Etruscan kings and the birth of the Roman Republic. In that context, dedicating a grand temple to Saturn, the deity of the Golden Age and abundance, held political significance: it celebrated a new beginning under the sign of prosperity and stability. However, the temple was reconstructed several times, the last being in AD 283, after a fire devastated it. The imposing columns still support part of the pediment on which you can read: SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS INCENDIO CONSUMPTUM RESTITUIT, a reminder of the reconstruction commissioned by the Senate and the Roman people. This temple was not only a place of worship dedicated to Saturn, the ancient Italic god of agriculture and time, but it also housed the Aerarium, the public treasury of Rome. Here, the state's gold reserves were kept, alongside the most important public documents and military insignia. During the Saturnalia, a festival celebrated from December 17 to 23, the temple became the focal point of one of the most anticipated moments of the year. Statues depicting the god Saturn were symbolically freed from the woolen bonds that usually wrapped them, signifying the loosening of rules. It was also a time of reversal of social hierarchies when slaves were allowed to sit at the table with their masters. The temple’s location, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, was far from accidental. Anyone entering the Forum from the Clivus Capitolinus would first encounter this imposing structure, an immediate visual message of Rome’s power and stability. The podium, made of tuff and travertine, still survives today as one of the best examples of Roman Republican construction techniques.

The Temple of the Deified Julius

Here, in the heart of ancient Rome, stood the Temple of the Deified Julius, built right on the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated after his infamous assassination on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. The idea to construct a temple in his honor was conceived by Octavian, the future Augustus, who wished both to pay tribute to his adoptive father and to strengthen his own political power. The temple was inaugurated in 29 B.C., during the triumphs of Octavian following his victory in Egypt. This site became the first temple dedicated to a deified Roman citizen, marking the beginning of the imperial cult. Try to imagine how the structure appeared in its time: it rose on a high podium, decorated with the prows, the characteristic bronze rams from enemy ships, symbols of the victory at Actium. On the facade, possibly Ionic or Corinthian columns, and inside a statue of Caesar with a star above his head, indicating his ascension among the gods. Today, parts of the podium in blocks of tuff and travertine can still be seen, and right at the center, a rectangular niche: here lay the funeral altar where Caesar's body was burned.

Foro Romano

Roman Forum: At the Heart of the Empir

Itinerary language:

Introduction to the Roman Forum The Roman Forum, known in Latin as "Forum Romanum", is a sprawling complex of ancient governmental buildings in the heart of Rome. For centuries, this area was the nucleus of Roman public life. The sprawling ruins, which have been excavated over time, bear testimony to Rome’s rich history and are a testament to its cultural and political influence. The Forum was initially a marketplace but eventually evolved into the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. It was here that public speeches were made, elections were held, and triumphal processions took place. Emperors erected monuments and temples, which became significant both architecturally and symbolically. The area was bustling with activity as it also housed the Senate, the treasury, and served as a venue for criminal trials and public gatherings. Today, the Roman Forum is a popular tourist attraction, providing a window into ancient Rome's grand legacy. Visitors can roam among the remnants of this once vibrant center, exploring famous structures such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Curia Julia where the Senate would meet. The site is not only a major archaeological site but also a symbol of the historical significance and enduring influence of ancient Rome on modern culture and governance. Walking through the Roman Forum offers a tangible connection to the narratives and people who have shaped history over two thousand years ago.