Roman Forum
The Roman Forum came into being at the end of the 7th century BC , following the reclamation of the swampy valley where it stood , drained by the Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer systems in the world. In the centuries that followed, various monuments were built: first the buildings for political, commercial and religious activities, then the civil basilicas, where judicial activities took place.
It became the heart of ancient Rome , where administrative, political, economic and religious affairs were conducted, and where public speeches, markets, gladiatorial contests, military processions and many other events were held.
The successive imperial dynasties added several prestigious monuments to celebrate the victories of the emperors or to commemorate the emperors and their children: the Temple of Vespasian and Titus and that of Antoninus and Faustina, the monumental Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple dedicated to the memory of Divine Romulus and the imposing Basilica of Maxentius on the Velia Hill.
After the fall of the Roman Empire the area of the Roman Forum was abandoned when the Tiber flooded and the surrounding hills were eroded, causing the land that buried the monuments to rise and become pastureland. Only some monuments resisted because they were transformed into churches.
It was only after the unification of Italy that the first excavations began in the area, allowing Romans and tourists from all over the world to enjoy this magnificent archaeological site.
The Roman Forum is now part of the Colosseum Archaeological Circuit which also includes the Palatine Hill and which can be visited by purchasing a single ticket online.
