Roman Forum

Description

The Roman forum was the business, administrative and civic centre of Ancient Rome. However, by 46 BC the existing forum had become too small and over the centuries many emperors built new forums - to which they gave their names - in order to alleviate the pressure.

Nevertheless the original forum continued to be used for over 900 years. Built on land drained by the Etruscans in the 7th century in such a way that it could be used as a public area rather than a burial ground, the forum was first populated with craftshops and then courts, offices and temples.

The forum eventually declined together with the Roman Empire in the 6th century. During the middle ages the site was used for grazing animals and the few buildings which remained standing were sacked for building materials.

Following the age of the enlightenment, the forum became a source of inspiration for artists and architects, although it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that the area was systematically excavated.

For visitors

Opening hours

9.00 am to 1 hour before sunset

No entrance fee charged

How to get there

The place of interest can be reached underground railway by Colosseo.