Roman Forum

travel wonder in Rome, Italy

Why the
Roman Forum
in Rome is special

It was the political, religious and commercial center of ancient Rome. Though ruins are all that remain, there's enough to conjure up in our minds the mighty temples, basilicas and triumphal arches that stood in the glory days of the Caesars.

Roman Forum
tips & insights

What is the definition
of a Roman forum?

A forum is an open public space. There were many other ancient forums in Rome and beyond. However, the Roman Forum was the classiest.

How did the?
Roman Forum evolve

It sprang modestly from a marsh around 700 BC. It grew and reached its apogee during the reign of Augustus (27 BC to 14 AD). It became a showcase for Rome's supremacy.

What are its
major structures?

From a visitor's perspective, the top seven are:

Arch of Severus

Arch of Titus

Temple of Attoninus & Faustina

Temple of Pastor & Pollux

Temple of Saturn

Temple of Vesta

Temple of Vespasian

Were there many
historic days at
the Roman Forum?

Yes. They include triumphant marches by returning armies. And there was the infamous Ides of March when Julius Caesar was assassinated.

What caused the
site's deterioration?

When the Roman Empire crumbled, the forum deteriorated, was ransacked by invaders, and was cannibalized for its marble for use in construction elsewhere. By the middle ages, the ruins were smothered with accumulated dirt - and were largely forgotten.

When did the
restoration begin?

Excavation and reassembling began in the 1800s. And those processes continue today.

What's the best way
to visualize the Roman
Forum in its heyday?

Buy a quality illustrated printed visual map or guide illustrating what the Roman Forum looked like in it zenith. Knowing what the structures once looked like as you explore the Roman Forum will immensely enhance your appreciation of this wonder.

When to go

to Rome

Read my at-a-glance charts with tips & insights on Rome's:

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

Vatican City

Note: Its wonders are not listed in my Italy Guide. Even though the Vatican lies within Rome, it is not part of it or Italy. It's an independent nation. Click to see its gold, silver and bronze medals,

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Roman Forum page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications