Roman Forum

Why the Roman Forum is special
It was the political, religious and commercial center of ancient Rome.

Roman Forum deterioration
Decline
When the Roman Empire crumbled, the forum deteriorated. It was:

• Ransacked by invaders
• Cannibalized for its marble for use in construction elsewher

By the middle ages, the ruins were smothered with accumulated dirt - and were largely forgotten.

Restoration
Excavation and reassembling began in the 1800s. And those processes continue today.

Roman Forum today
Condition
Though ruins are all that remain, there's enough to conjure up in our minds the mighty temples, basilicas and triumphal arches that stood in the glory days of the Caesars.

Best way to visualize the Roman Forum in its heyday
Buy a quality illustrated printed visual map or guide illustrating what the Roman Forum looked like in it zenith. Knowing how the structures once appeared as you explore the Roman Forum will immensely enhance your appreciation of this wonder.

More Roman Forum tips and insights
Major structures
From a visitor's perspective, the top seven are

• Arch of Severus
  
• Arch of Titus
  
• Temple of Attoninus & Faustina
  
• Temple of Pastor & Pollux
  
• Temple of Saturn
  
• Temple of Vesta
  
• Temple of Vespasian

How the Roman Forum evolved
It sprang modestly from a marsh around 700 BC. It grew and reached its apogee during the reign of Augustus (27 BC to 14 AD). It became a showcase for Rome's supremacy.

The Roman Forum had many historic days
They include triumphant marches by returning armies. And there was the infamous Ides of March when Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Definition of a Roman forum
A forum is an open public space. There were many other ancient forums in Rome and beyond. However, the Roman Forum was the classiest.

Location in Italy