The Forum – The Center of Daily Life in Rome

October 11, 2018 · by Dano · in Italy

This was the center of activity in ancient Rome. Religious, political, social and judicial activities all took place within this rectangle area measuring 820’ by 560’. Originally a marshy swamp at the bottom of Capitoline and Velian hills, the area was drained through the building of Rome’s first sewer project, Cloaca Maxima, Latin for “greatest sewer”.

The Forum was the site of many basilicas, monuments, temples, and a large public market making it one of the most visited places in ancient Rome. From 800BC to 500AD this site was key to daily life in Rome. All around the Forum were important government buildings and temples. Some of the most important were: the “Curia” or senate council house, where the Senate met to begin the year; the Rostra where people gave speeches (Mark Anthony delivered the eulogy of Julius Caesar here – Friends, Romans, countrymen….); Temple of Saturn (not the car company although they could have used one!); Temple of Vesta and most importantly, the Sacra Via, all roads lead to Rome and this was the main drag.

The Forum with the Curia in the background

Arch of Severous (note 4th line down where reference to Gela was removed by his brother Caracalla. Caracalla had Gela murdered.)

Temple of Vesta

Temple of Castor

So, fast forward to 476AD and the Germanic leader Odoacer overthrows Roman Emperor Romulus. Not a big deal, old Rommy as his friends called him had only been in power 1 year! But this signify the end of the Roman Empire and the start of the Middle Ages, lasting from the 5^th to the 15^th centuries. And the Forum? At this time the Forum was referred to as a “cattle field” because it had become overgrown with grass and in total disrepair. Not until the 1800’s, and an archeologist named Carlo Fea, would the Forum start to see the light of day again.

Today seeing the Forum is easy, sort of. All you need is 12EUR if you chose to shove your way past the thousands of tour groups to try to see an artifact, or pay 50EUR to shove those individuals out of the way of your tour so you can try to see an artifact. The perfect blend of commercialism and appreciation of antiquity!

Here’s some photos, enjoy.