Roman forum

The Roman Forum came to life at the end of the 7th century BC. after the reclamation of the marshy valley where it stood which was drained by the Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer systems in the world. In the following centuries various monuments were built: first the buildings for political, commercial and religious activities, after the civil basilicas, where judicial activities took place.

It became the heart of ancient Rome; administrative, political, economic and religious affairs were held and public speeches, markets, gladiator meetings, military processions and much more were held.

The prestigious monuments were added by the various dynasties of emperors who succeeded each other to celebrate victories of the emperors or to the memory of the emperors and their children: the Temple of Vespasian and Titus and that of Antonino Pio and Faustina, the monumental Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple dedicated to the memory of the Divine Romulus and the imposing Basilica on the Velia.

After the fall of the Roman Empire the area of the Roman Forum was abandoned after the overflowing of the Tiber and the erosion of the surrounding hills which caused the lifting of the land that buried the monuments, so as to become a grazing place. Only some monuments resisted because they were transformed into churches.

Only after the unification of Italy did the first excavation works begin in the area which allowed Romans and tourists from all over the world to enjoy this magnificent archaeological area.

The Roman Forum is now part of the archaeological circuit of the Colosseum which also includes the Palatine Hill and which can be visited by purchasing a single ticket online.