Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
It was originally a marshland which was situated between the Capitolino, Palatine, Vicinale and Quirinale hills. It later was drained as a consequence of the excavations of the Cloaca Massima. Basilicas, temples, porticos, monuments were built and later it became the commercial, juridical, political and religious centre of the city. The increase of inhabitants brought the construction of new Forums, known as the Imperial Forums, and for this reason, the Roman Forum slowly lost its importance.
It was damaged in a fire during the 3rd century and was later restored by Diocletian. During the Middle Ages the roman barons transformed many buildings into fortresses and churches, whilst the land became pastureland for cattle, known as “Cattle Land” (Campo Vaccino) and marble sites for buildings. In the eighteenth century, the excavations brought to light the ruins that we can still admire.
Curia
Was founded by King Tullo Ostilio and assigned as the residence of the Senator. The brick building was transformed into St. Hadrian’s church in the 7th century.
Romulus’ Tomb (Tomba di Romolo)
In front of the Curia, under a black square slab of marble, we find a monument that the ancient Romans believed to be the Romulus’ tomb. The most important element of this Tomb is a cippus with a sacred inscription representing the oldest latin document dated 5th-6th century b.C.
The Arc of Settimio Severo
Erected in 203 a.C. in honor of the victories gained against the Parthian and Arabs. It comprises of three arches lined by columns placed on high pedestals.
Rostri
The Church is dedicated to the patron Saint of the motorists and dates back to the 1st century.
Temple of Venus and Rome (Tempio di Venere e Roma)
On the left of the Arc Settimo Severo, we find a platform that was used as a tribune oratory.
Forum Square (Piazza del Foro)
Rectangular shape, it extends in front of the Rostrums and is paved in travertine. The Column of Foca stands on its axe and was erected in 608 a.C. in honor of the Eastern Emperor Foca.
Temple of Saturn (Tempio di Saturno)
The public money was kept here.
Temple of Dioscuri (Tempio dei Di oscuri)
Dedicated in 484 b.C. to Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, who according to legend, fought side by side with the Romans against the Latins during the battle of the river Regillo in 496 d.C.
There was an office near the temple where weights and measures were checked.
Virgins Vestal House (Casa delle Vestali)
It was the college of virgins who guarded the sacred fire of Vesta. The residence comprised of a large central atrium with a garden and baths, surrounded by a two level portico. Rooms could be found along the alleys of the courtyard. At the end of the alley, there was a large room in which statues of gods and emperors were contained.
Temple of Antonino and Faustina (Tempio di Antonino e Faustina)
Was erected along the Sacra Via and dedicated in 141 a.C. in memory of the empress Faustina. In 161, after the empress’s death, it was dedicated in remembrance of Antonino Pio. It was transformed into the St. Lorenzo in Mirando’s church in the 11th century.
Today, inside the church, we can still admire the temple ruins: the high podium, ten pronaos Corinthian columns and the trabeation of the frieze.
Basilica of Maxentius or of Constantine (Basilica di Maxentius o di Costantino)
Maxentius began to erect the Basilica, but it was completed by Constantine. It was one of ancient Rome’s most majestic buildings.
Titus Arc (Arco di Tito)
Erected in 81 a. C. in memory of the Vespasian Victories and Titus’ victory against the Judeans. It stands along the Sacra Via.
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Roman Forum 