Roman Forum - Tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

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.

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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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,