Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2. Roman Forum
Once the center of Rome around which the city developed, the Roman Forum was for cen-
turies a hub of activity for commercial affairs, public speeches, and the meting out of justice
in the form of criminal trials. Celebratory military processions were often staged in this cent-
ral part of the city. It was the city center for religious activities, and the center of public life
in Rome. It is often referred to as the most celebrated meeting area in all of history. Business
and trades were conducted, political decisions were made, and the very blood of the city ran
through the forum.
Originally, the land was a swampy wetland that was drained as additional people moved into
the region and construction on new buildings was completed. It is said that the Roman For-
um began as a neutral meeting ground for the alliance between the first king of Rome who
had control over the Palatine Hill and his rival Titus Tatius, who had control over Capitoline
Hill. The Forum is nestled between the two hills, providing an ideal location for the meeting
