Things You Didn't Know About the Roman Forum

Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the site was originally low-lying, grassy wetlands – not ideal foundations for temples and basilicas. Only after the construction of the Cloaca Maxima around 600 BC did any real development take place. This large sewage system drained waste into the Tiber and its outfall into the river is still visible today next to Ponte Palatino.

The story of Romulus, who founded Rome after killing his twin brother Remus, is a tangle of myth, legend and folklore, so whether or not a real, historical figure ever existed is unclear. Believe the ancient Romans, though, and Romulus is buried in the Forum. The Lapis Niger, a large piece of black marble, marks his grave – that, or the spot where he was murdered by the Senate.

Vestal Virgins were chosen as priestesses between the ages of six and ten, and sworn to celibacy for 30 years. It was their duty to keep the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta burning. The fire was believed to be linked to the fortunes of ancient Rome, so punishment was severe if it ever went out – vestals who neglected their duty would be beaten or flogged. Those who broke their vows of celibacy were buried alive.

The Temple of Caesar, built after the politician’s assassination on the steps of the Theatre of Pompey, is sometimes referred to as the site of Caesar’s grave, but is actually the spot where he was cremated in 44 BC. Now, the temple is in ruins but people still leave flowers and tributes behind in honour of Rome’s most famous citizen.

The Curia was the original seat of the Roman Senate. It was from this building that consuls, tribunes and praetors made administrative decisions about the running of the Republic and Empire. The Curia Julia, the third Senate House, is in good shape today, thanks to its conversion into a basilica in the 7th century and extensive reconstruction in the 1930s.

Aside for the Colosseum, the €12 entrance ticket also includes admission to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, which are located right next door to each other. The ticket is valid for two days and, as queues are often shorter at the Roman Forum, it’s worth buying it there to save time.

The Temple of Saturn, recognisable by its eight surviving Ionic columns, is one of the Forum’s most iconic structures. Traditionally dated to 497 BC, the temple was dedicated to the god of wealth and held the Roman Republic’s reserves of gold and silver, as well as the state archives.

During the late Republic, violence during public meetings became increasingly common, and the Rostra – a platform where magistrates and orators would address the people of Rome – was used to display the heads of defeated political enemies. Cicero was among those who met this cold-blooded fate; his head and hands were turned into a public spectacle here by his adversary Mark Antony in 43 BC.

Built in 203 AD, the Arch of Septimius Severus celebrates the victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, Caracalla and Geta, over the Parthians. After Severus’ death in 211 AD, the brothers became co-emperors. It was an uneasy arrangement and one that ended in Caracalla ordering the assassination of Geta, followed by the removal of the latter’s name and image from the family arch.

The last major expansion of the complex was the Basilica of Maxentius. Completed by Constantine in 312 AD, it was also the largest building on the Forum, measuring approximately 100 metres by 65 metres (328 feet by 213 feet). Today, all that remains of the basilica is the north aisle, which features three concrete barrel vaults with octagonal ceiling panels.

After the fall of the Empire, the Roman Forum fell into disrepair and many of its monuments were either plundered for stone and marble, or buried under debris. Eventually, this neglected piece of land became pasture for livestock and earned the nickname Campo Vaccino, or Cow Field. It was only in the 18th and 19th centuries that the site was first excavated.

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