Forum Romano

Forum

It’s hard to believe that the Roman Forum used to be a city center. Once upon a time, all of Rome gathered in this collection of shops, courts, temples, basilicas and government offices. The forum was the place for triumphal processions, elections, speeches, trials and even gladiatorial matches.

The forum was originally developed in the 7th century B.C. as a marketplace. It enjoyed continued importance until the 4th century A.D., after which time its marble was plundered and it was used as cow pastures. Today, it is all partially excavated fragments.

Basilica Fulvia-Aemilia

As you enter the Forum, one of the most striking sights is what’s left of Basilica Fulvia Aemilia, which was a 100-meter-long public hall.

Tempio di Antonino e Faustina, left, and Curia, right

Nearby is Tempio di Antonino e Faustina, a 2nd century temple. The temple was first conceived in 141 by Emperor Antoninus Pius for his deceased wife, Faustina. When Antoninus died in 161, Marcus Aurelius dedicated the temple to the husband and wife. In the 7th century, the temple was converted to a Catholic church and renamed Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda. It was believed St. Lorenzo (one of the seven deacons of Ancient Rome) had been sentenced to death on this spot. Miranda was…well, no one is sure. Maybe a benefactress. The deep grooves in the columns are from a failed medieval attempt to dismantle the portico, perhaps to use the materials in other buildings.

The Curia was once the meeting place of the Roman Senate. It was rebuilt countless times. What we see today is from the 1930’s.

Tempio di Ciulio Cesare was erected by Augustus in 29 B.C. on the site where Caesar’s body had been cremated. You won’t be able to miss it since it will be swarmed by tourists! (Hence, I was not able to get a reasonable image.)

Arco di Septimio Severo

Looming over the Forum is the white marble Arco di Septimio Severo, a triumphal arch from A.D. 203 that commemorated the Parthian victory. The center panel depicts the defeated being led away in chains.

Palatino

On the southern-most end is the Palatino, one of the most ancient parts of Rome. This is where Romulus killed his twin, Remus, and founded Rome in 753 B.C. This was once Rome’s poshest neighborhood where Augustus and other emperors built opulent palaces. After Rome’s fall, the area fell into disrepair. In the Middle Ages, churches and castles were built over the ruins. What we see today are mostly from Emperor Domitian’s complex, which was built in the 1st century A.D. and served as the main imperial palace for 300 years. Three sections comprised it: Domus Flavia, the imperial palace, Domus Augustana, the emperor’s private residence and a stadio.

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