Ancient Rome - Rome - page 160

TOP SIGHT
IMPERIAL FORUMS
The Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali) were constructed between 42 BC and AD 112, but they were largely buried
in 1933 when Mussolini built Via dei Fori Imperiali. Excavations have unearthed much of them, but visits are
limited to the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Markets).
Little recognisable remains of the Foro di Traiano MAP GOOGLE MAP (Trajan's Forum), except for some
pillars from the Basilica Ulpia MAP GOOGLE MAP and the Colonna di Traiano MAP GOOGLE MAP (Tra-
jan's Column), whose reliefs celebrate Trajan's military victories over the Dacians.
To the southeast, three temple columns rise from Foro di Augusto MAP GOOGLE MAP (Augustus' Forum),
now mostly under Via dei Fori Imperiali. The 30m-high wall behind the forum was built to protect it from the fre-
quent fires in the area.
The Foro di Nerva MAP GOOGLE MAP (Nerva's Forum) was also buried by Mussolini's road-building, al-
though part of a temple dedicated to Minerva still stands. Originally, it would have connected the Foro di Augusto
to the 1st-century Foro di Vespasiano MAP GOOGLE MAP (Vespasian's Forum). Over the road, three columns
are the most visible remains of the Foro di Cesare MAP GOOGLE MAP (Caesar's Forum).
DON'T MISS…
» Mercati di Traiano
» Colonna di Traiano
» Basilica Ulpia
PRACTICALITIES
» MAP
» Via dei Fori Imperiali
» Via dei Fori Imperiali