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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.

Insights on
the 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.

It
sprung 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.

The
top 5 most important structures from the tourist's perspective:
Arch
of Severus
Arch
of Titus
Temple
of Attoninus & Faustina
Temple
of Pastor & Pollux
Temple
of Saturn
Temple
of Vesta
Temple
of Vespasian

There
were many historic days, including triumphant marches by returning armies. And
there was the infamous Ides of March when Julius Caesar was assassinated.

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. Excavation and reassembling began in the 1800s.

I
highly recommend that visitors buy an illustrated map guide to the Roman Forum.
Seeing what the structures once looked like as you explore the area will enhance
your appreciation of this wonder.

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





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silver & bronze medal
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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,


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