The Roman Forum – Feel the power of ancient Rome
Immerse yourself in the hallowed grounds of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum was the political, religious and administrative centre of the city for more than 1,000 years, from around 800 BC.
Our Rome Bus Tour stops right outside the Roman Forum, where you can hop off and walk in the footsteps of emperors. Imagine how an entire civilization was once organized from this maze of ruins. And wander through the ancient corridors of power, the basilicas and temples from which the mighty Roman Empire was directed.
A legend that lives on
Built mostly during the reign of Julius Caesar, legend has it the Roman Forum was constructed on the spot where a battle between Romulus and Titus was prevented by the cries and prayers of Capitoline women. The men duly laid down their weapons and agreed to discuss and negotiate their disagreements.
After the fall of Rome, the buildings of the forum were plundered for their stone and marble. Much of it was used to build the Vatican and several of the city’s other churches.
Other interesting facts about the Roman Forum
- During the Middle Ages, the Roman Forum was known as the Campo Vaccino – the ‘cattle field’ – as it was used as pasture land
- Major excavation work was initiated in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to this day
- Landmark sites include the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Curia and the Casa delle Vestali
- The site of an old Etruscan burial site, the Roman Forum was first developed in the 7th century BC
- The word ‘forum’ is still used today to describe a place to meet and exchange ideas
