In the 6th century BC, the central location of the Forum was a busy market frequented by Roman citizens. Over time, the Patricks added temples, and as the republic grew, government buildings eventually covered the hilly plain leading to the famous Coliseum.
The monuments and bones of the Forum have survived centuries of wars, victories, natural disasters and disasters Roman tyrantsRomans.
During the Golden Age of Rome in the Forum open spaces were very important. The streets were paved with marble, and every public square was dominated by imposing statues. Civil buildings have been designed and built for thousands of years. In different historical contexts, these masses of stone, decorated with gold and bronze, surely exceeded the expectations of the builders.
The interior of the market buildings was the elegance of the front. Long naves of colorful marble columns decorated with gold led to the immense hall.
When you’re in Rome you should have market ruins on your list. The painted panels provide images of what the structure looked like in its glory days and are worth the purchase price. Map in hand, walk the wide paths and imagine the splendor of the past two thousand years.
When you enter the Forum complex, you will be near the peak of unique history.
Visualize the Apostles Peter and Paul preaching on the steps of the Court of Julia in 59AD – and the Emperor. Nero watching the burning of the great temples in 64AD.
To your left is where Julius Caesar was killed at the Portico of Pompeii in 44BC, and to your right is where Napoleon is. Campfires overshadowed the Arch of Titus 1798 – The arch commemorates the Roman capture of Jerusalem in 70AD.
Look on your right to Vesta’s house. Mussolini and Hitler posed for a photograph in 1938, just to the west of those three giant columns.
History follows.
Today, millions of vacationers – from all corners of the world – walk here and wonder how a nation that could create such greatness has faltered and completely lost.
To learn more about the history of the various structures in the Forum, click on the names. Check out more of our Market photos in the slideshow at the end of this article.
the house of Castor and Pollucus, the house of Saturn, the house of Vesta, the house of Venus and Rome, the house of Antoninus and Faustina, the house of Caesar, the house of Vespasian and Titus.
the house of Concordia, the house of Venus Cloacina, the Basilica of Aemilia, the Basilica of Julia
The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Tiberius, the Arch of Augustus, the Royal Palace, the Rostra, the Hostile Court, the Roman Senate, the Tabularium, the Gemonian Tribunal, the Capitoline Hill, the Navel of the City, the Golden Mile, the Black Stone; Atrium Vesta, Via Sacra, Colosseum, Column of Phocas, Tullianum
Happy travels!
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
