Roman Forum and Palatino Hill Center of Ancient Rome

Roman Forum, called Forum Romanum in Latin, is the central area where Ancient Rome flourished. In the Roman Forum, which looks like a ruined area today, there were areas where business deals were made, brothels, administration of justice, structures belonging to trade and worship areas were gathered here.

There are many buildings and monuments inside the Roman Forum, the center of ancient Rome. Even though weeds grow on it today, it clearly shows how the urban areas of Ancient Rome were used.

Temple of Castor and Pollux

The 7 meter high temple has been destroyed many times in history but has been rebuilt. As it appears today, the Roman Emperor Tiberius was the son of Augustus. It is named after the twin children of Zeus by Leda in Greek mythology.

Arch of Septimius Severus

It is an arch commemorating the victory of Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta over the Parthians. After Septimius Severus died, his sons were separated and Caracalla had Geta killed. Caracalla, who wanted to erase all memories of Geta, also had the column on the Cendere Bridge demolished.

In Italian painter Canaletto’s 1742 painting of the Roman Forum, we can see the sediment that the forum deposited on the arch. These soils were later cleaned as a result of archaeological excavations and the forum took its present form.

Fokas Column

Dedicated in honor of the Byzantine Emperor Fokas, the Column of Fokas is the last addition to the Roman Forum, measuring 13.6 meters in length.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

Antoninus, who succeeded Hadrian as emperor, remained on the throne for a long time and, like Hadrian, was a man of peace. Antony had a true love affair with his wife Faustina. So much so that he continued as emperor for another 20 years after her death, but this period did not diminish her love. This temple is dedicated to this couple.

These buildings are lined up on either side of the Via Sacra, the Sacred Way. Via Sacra is the name given to the road that runs from the Roman Forum to the Colosseum.

House of the Virgins of Vesta

The purpose of the Vesta virgins, who were assigned to serve in the Roman Forum for 30 years, was to ensure that the fire burning in the forum did not go out. The priestess of Vesta was a very sacred position in Rome. Such women were given great privileges and were punished if their virginity was violated or if the fire went out.

Due to Rome’s tradition of building on the ruins of previous years, buildings from several centuries are shown together. Many historical buildings, temples and churches are located in the Roman Forum, including the Basilica of Aemilia, the Basilica of Julia, the Temple of Romulus, the Triumphal Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, the Rostra, where politicians addressed Roman citizens, the Hostilia Court, where the Roman Senate was located.

Palatino Hill

To go up Palatino Hill, take the stairs next to the Houses of the Virgins of Vesta. Do not leave the forum without going up the Palatine Hill, otherwise you will have to pay again to enter.

Palatino is one of the seven hills of Rome and the closest to the center. Located 40 meters above the Roman Forum, Palatino Hill is also important in mythological terms. According to Roman Mythology, the brothers Romulus and Rumus, who founded Rome, were found here by a she-wolf and their lives were saved.

This historical building complex, which is part of your visit to the Colosseum and should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Rome, gives an insight into the structural order of Rome. You can spare about 2 hours for your visit to the Roman Forum.