Roman Forum

Even during the peak times of the Roman state, there remained a significant tract of land within the capital's boundaries that was not cultivated. The valley between the six hills in the center of the city was flooded by numerous springs. Up until the 8th century BCE, this swampy area was used as a cemetery for the city's inhabitants. The Roman ruler Tarquin the Proud implemented an extensive drainage system, which allowed for the draining of the valley's soil. Throughout the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, the capital's plain was transformed into a convenient plot where trade rows and a platform for public speeches were established. Thus, the social and economic status of the Roman Forum began to form.

Gradually, the forum became the center of public life for the city and the entire state. Temples, basilicas were constructed here, monuments, and statues in honor of famous Romans were erected. Courts were held in the basilicas, and death sentences were executed in the forum square. The first Christians also built their churches on the forum.

Starting from the 8th century, the forum gradually fell into decline. Stones from the ruins were dismantled by residents to build their own homes. Livestock were grazed on the forum square.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, large-scale excavations of the famous forum began. However, not all valuable artifacts could be preserved for future generations.

At the Roman Forum, one can see the remnants of cult temples.

The Temple of Saturn is one of the oldest cult buildings in Rome. It was built around 500 BC. This grand temple was erected in honor of the Romans' victory over the Etruscan ruler Tarquin. Near its walls, the ancient Romans celebrated the annual festival of Saturnalia. For a long time, the Temple of Saturn served the functions of a treasury and tax service, called the Aerarium, from the Latin word "aerarium" – "allowance, treasury." Today, several columns of the once majestic building can be seen.

The Temple of Vesta is a circular building surrounded by columns. In ancient times, there was a vault inside the building with symbols of the empire. Day and night, a flame burned in the building, the smoke from which rose to the heavens. Imperial daughters and priestesses, the Vestal Virgins, watched over the fire and conducted rituals to appease the goddess of the hearth.

The Temple of Caesar is a structure that was erected on the site of the cremation of the murdered Julius Caesar. Only part of the building's podium has survived to our day.

The Temple of the Dioscuri is dedicated to the sons of Jupiter. It was erected around 500 BC.

The Temple of Venus and Roma is one of the largest cult buildings of the Roman Empire, where the sons of the god Jupiter – Castor and Pollux – were worshiped. The ancient sanctuary has survived to modern days in the form of antique columns, known as "The Three Sisters." Today, the eastern interior part of the once luxurious building can be seen.

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is a structure that has survived better than others. In 141 AD, a beautiful temple was built, dedicated to his prematurely deceased wife, Faustina. After his death in 161 AD, the sanctuary received its current name – the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Presumably, in the 7th to 11th centuries, the building was transferred to Orthodox Christians and was converted into the church of St. Lawrence. Thanks to this, it has survived to our days.

The Temple of Concord and the Temple of Vespasian. At the very western edge of the Forum, in the 4th century BC, the Temple of Concord, the goddess of harmony, was built. The appearance of this temple symbolized reconciliation between the Roman nobility and commoners. A little to the south of the Temple of Concord, one can see the ruins of the Temple of Vespasian. Several surviving columns are all that remain of the sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Vespasian (Templum divi Vespasiani) and his successor Titus.

Arches on the Roman Forum were erected in honor of famous emperors and generals.

The most famous Arch of Titus was erected in honor of Emperor Titus and in memory of the capture of Jerusalem. It adorns the entrance to the Roman Forum from the southeast side. The powerful snow-white portal was faced with marble from Attica. One can admire the beautiful bas-relief inside the arch's span, depicting scenes of the Roman army's victorious procession with trophies.

Another triumphal arch of the forum is that of Septimius Severus. It was installed in honor of the victories of Emperor Septimius and his sons. It has been quite well preserved and provides an insight into the might of the Roman Empire. Relief drawings on the facing slabs depict the heroic battles of the Romans with the inhabitants of Parthia.

In Ancient Rome, basilicas were not only used for religious services but also for city council meetings and business appointments.

Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine. The largest building of the forum, in whose western apse stood a gigantic statue of Constantine. Construction began in 308 AD by Emperor Maxentius, who was soon overthrown by Constantine. Thus, a huge three-nave temple measuring 100 by 65 meters was erected on the east side of the square. The remains of the ancient building give an idea of what the architecture of the basilica was like. In its best times, the temple was adorned by a huge statue of Maxentius, which was later replaced by a sculpture of Constantine.

Basilica Aemilia. Grey floor tiles and the bases of ancient columns are all that remain of the once magnificent building that served for debates and legal proceedings. Columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux stand at the head of the basilica.

Basilica Julia. It was built on the site of the earlier Basilica Sempronia, which was destroyed by Julius Caesar. The new structure, built in the time of Julius Caesar, was used for judicial processes and senate meetings. It also housed money changers' shops. The new building was impressively sized – 101 by 49 meters. Scholars assume that the basilica had three floors. Inside, civil disputes were settled, including property disputes. In the 3rd century AD, the temple was destroyed by a severe fire.

Many ancient buildings have not survived to the present day. However, at the forum, one can see structures that give an insight into the public life of the ancient city:

The State Archive of Ancient Rome – Tabularium. It was built in the 1st century BC and served as the state archive, a repository for various acts. It is evident that the Tabularium once had a multi-storey structure, its strict architecture enlivened by arched vaults. Currently, the foundation and the first floor of the building are well preserved, along with elements of the interior decor. In the architecture of the building, one can observe the famous Roman "cella," which combines vaulted and beam construction.

"The Navel of the City" (Umbilicus urbis). According to Roman beliefs, this was the entrance to the underworld. The city's inhabitants erected a small temple at this site — a symbol of the center of Rome and the state. Not far from the "Navel of the City" was installed a huge Golden Milestone — the point from which distances from Rome to important settlements of the empire and the capitals of all colonies and provinces were measured.

House of the Vestal Virgins. In the building located near the Temple of Vesta, lived the Vestal Virgins — priestesses of the goddess after whom the structure is named. One can admire the statues of the great Vestal Virgins located in the portico of the house.

The Residence of the Kings of Rome – Regia. The building housed records related to important dates, the calendar of sacred days, texts of prayers, sacrifices, and oaths.

Mamertine Prison. The building was constructed to detain state criminals and noble prisoners. According to legend, it was within the walls of this prison that the apostles Peter and Paul spent their last days of life. Today, the restored building operates as a museum.