Roman Forum, Province of Rome

Roman Forum - details and images

Today, the forum known as the Forum Romanum may seem like a messy collection of ruins the uninitiated eye, but with a little imagination can see turisitii Roman Empire back to life in this place. Parts of several buildings from different periods are visible. The Forum was surrounded by temples, churches and triumphal arches.

Three triumphal arches were built in the Forum Romanum. These were used by emperors to celebrate military victories of the Roman Empire. Very little can be seen from the first triumphal arch, built by Augustus in 29 BC

The Triumphal Arch of Titus, built in 81 AD commemorates the victory in "War of Judea" when the Roman Empire conquered Jerusalem. This monument is situated at the Via Sacra on the east side of the forum. At the other end of the Forum, near the Capitol, is the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus.

Curia.
Curia was in place which meet the Senate. Brick building could accommodate up to 200 senators. Curia was built by the third king of Rome (in a different location). He burned four times, first time in 80 BC but was rebuilt each time. After a fire in 53 BC, Caesar moved the Roman Curia in the Forum. The building can be seen today was built by Diocletian in 283 AD In the seventh century, the Curia has been converted into a church and luckily managed to survive the passage of time.

Rostral.
Rostral was the platform from which speeches were held. It was originally built in the fourth century BC Rostral name meaning battle rams rams fighting comes from iron made that were captured at the Battle of Actium in 338 BC The platform was decorated with many of these rams fighting.

Following changes made by Caesar Forum, Rostral was built in the place where today there is but this time it was made of marble. One of the most famous speeches here was that of Marc Antony in 44 BC Caesar's funeral, speech that was made famous by Shakespeare.

Temple of Saturn.
Saturn's First Temple was built in recent years before the establishment of the republic and opened its inception in 497 BC The remains can be seen today dates from the year 42 BC The temple was used as cash. It also housed the Roman legions banners and senatorial decrees. In 20 BC, in front of the Temple of Saturn, Emperor Augustus erected a high column, Miliarum Aureum.

Temple of Vespasian and Titus.
Construction of this temple was begun in the first century AD by Titus Vespasian in honor of his father. Emperor Domitian, Titus's brother and successor, has finished construction of the temple and dedicated to both. The temple had a hexagonal shape and a large sanctuary with statues of the two emperors.

Temple of Castor and Polux.
Only three columns are left until today from the Temple of Castor and Polux. The temple was originally built in 484 BC and the current ruins date from the last reconstruction in 6 AD The temple was built by the Roman dictator Postumius, who has vowed to build the temple if his army defeat Tarquinius dynasty kings, who ruled Rome. According to legend, Castor and Polux, mythological twins, helped the Romanian army in battle and the victory announced in the Forum Romanum.

Antony and Faustina Temple.
Antony and Faustina temple was built in 141 AD The king of Antony Pius to honor his deceased wife, Faustina. After his death in 161, the temple was dedicated and the king. In the 7th century, the temple was transformed into the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. The church was rebuilt in 1601. Deep grooves of the marble columns are attributed to attempts to demolish the columns. Cords were burned in columns but fortunately they did not budge.

Basilica Julia.
In 54 BC Julius Caesar laid the foundation stone of the Basilica Julia, a building used as headquarters for the civil court, where magistrates were holding processes. Building 101 meters long and 49 meters wide, was destroyed by fire in 9 BC but was rebuilt seven years later. After the fall of Rome Basilica Julia was closed. Today can not see much but it's clear floor plan after its building.

Basilica Aemilia.
Basilica Aemilia is the oldest church in the Forum Romanum and was built in 179 BC consuls Marcus Aemilius Lepidus by Marcus Fulvius and noble. The aim was to provide shelter for many of the business and affairs, which were carried out can continue in case of bad weather. It was modified last time in AD 22, at the time of the marble hall with four altars included a number of shops and public. Basilica was destroyed by fire during the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD

Temple of Vesta.
Vesta's circular temple, dating from the fourth century BC The small temple was one of the most important in Rome because it was dedicated to family and protector of the Roman state. Vestal virgins here, guarding the sacred eternal flame, symbol of eternal life in Rome. Virgins guarding the flame was chosen as Pontifex Maximus, the supreme religious authority in the Roman state. Girls who had to be members of the aristocracy, had the duty to serve the temple for 30 years. In this period had to remain virgins, or risk being buried alive (this has happened with 10 of them). Virgin West were very well received and seen a lot of gifts.

House of Virgin West.
Near the Temple of Vesta, the virgin's house was situated news. Once a girl was chosen to be part of virgins among West (at age 6 years), she moved into this house. The house had 50 rooms for the six girls and their maids and rises on three floors.

Temple of Divus Romulus.
Opposite House news virgins Temple of Romulus is located, a circular temple built in the fourth century AD The building has survived mainly due to its incorporation into the church Santi Cosma e Damiano. The door is very large and well preserved bronze and is quite original. There are still doubts about whom the temple was dedicated to this. It is supposed to be dedicated to his son Maxentius, who died very young in the year 307 BC

Among other vestiges of the Roman Forum in May include: Basilica of Maxentius, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Column of Phocas, the Temple of Divus Julius and Temple of Concord.



Program:
Forum in Rome is open daily from 8:30 PM except Christmas Day and New Year. Closing time is one hour before sunset as follows:
Last Sunday in March until the end of August: 7:30 PM
September: 7:00 PM
October: 6:30 PM
November - February 15: 4:30 PM
February 16-March 15: 5:00 PM
March 16 - last Sunday in March: 5:30 PM

Transportation:
Metro: Colosseo station
Bus: 60, 75, 85, 87, 95, or 175

A Roman Forum ticket costs € 6.5 and € 10 for a guided visit.
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