Audio Guide Rome – The Roman Forum
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The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum in Latin) is an archaeological site located in the heart of Rome, nestled between the Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and the Colosseum. It served as the political, judicial, religious, and economic center of Rome for over a millennium.
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Early History
The Roman Forum, also known as the Forum Romanum, began as a marketplace around the 8th century BC. It was situated on low ground between the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill. According to legend, it was Romulus, the founder of Rome, who established the Forum as a neutral meeting place for the city’s inhabitants.
Republican Era
During the Roman Republic (509-27 BC), the Forum became the center of political, religious, and social life. It was the site of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats. The Curia, the Senate House, was located here, and many important temples, such as the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vesta, were built in this period.
Imperial Era
With the rise of the Roman Empire, the Forum continued to evolve. Emperors like Julius Caesar and Augustus expanded and embellished the area. Caesar built a new forum, known as the Forum of Caesar, to alleviate overcrowding. Augustus added the Forum of Augustus, which included the Temple of Mars Ultor.
Decline and Rediscovery
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, the Forum fell into disuse and was gradually buried under debris. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that interest in the ancient ruins was revived, leading to systematic excavations in the 19th century. Today, the Roman Forum is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
