A TOUR THROUGH THE FORUM ROMANUM

By BlakeTaub

THE ARCH OF TITUS

Titus was the Emperor who had the great Temple in Jerusalem destroyed. This arch was built in his honor.

On the inside of the left leg of this arch there is a well-known sculpture of Romans carrying away a menorah.

http://www.web.mit.edu

THE ARCH OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUSThis arch honors Emperor Severus and his two sons. It commemorates their victories in wars in Iraq and Iran.

http://www.goitaly.about.com

THE TEMPLE OF DIVUS ROMULUS

One of the most incredible features of this building is the green and bronze front door which is about 1,700 years old and survived the Visigoths’ attack on Ancient Rome.

This temple was built for Divus Romulus, son of the Emperor Maxentius.

http://www.fineartamerica.com

THE TEMPLE OF SATURN

The temple was used as the public treasury and was the center for the December festival called Saturnalia.

Saturnalia was the most popular of all Roman festivals because of its emphasis on fun and freedom.

Saturnalia traditions included a respite from work, temporary freeing of slaves, and gift giving.

Eight columns still remain from this temple.

http://www.romeitaly.com/attrations.com

THE TEMPLE OF ANTONIUS AND

FAUSTINA

In 141 CE, the Emperor Antonius Pios lost his wife, Faustina. After her death, he had this magnificent temple built in her honor.

This is the most well-preserved building in the Forum.

http://www.euratlas.com

THE TEMPLE OF CASTOR AND POLLUX

In 484 BCE, the Roman dictator, Postumius, promised he would build a temple if his army beat the Tarquinian kings.

Castor and Pollux were mythological twin brothers who helped the Roman army achieve victory.

Postumius fulfilled his promise by building the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

Only three pillars remain from this temple.

http://www.rometour.org

BASILICA OF MAXENTIUS

This building was also called the Basilica of Constantine.

The Basilica was begun by Emperor Maxentius and completed by Emperor Constantine.

It is an enormous structure that was built in the 4th century.

This was one of the last buildings constructed which showed the glory of Ancient Rome.

It was used as the public law courts.

http://www.aviewoncities.com

THE ROSTRAPeople stood on this raised platform to give public speeches.

http://bookdrum.com

THE CURIA

The Curia was the Roman Senate building. It is the largest brick building in the Forum that still has a roof, and the original Egyptian marble floors and tiers (multi-level platforms like steps) for the senators are still intact.

The Curia held about 200 senators.

The inclusion of the Curia in the Forum Romanum made this the most illustrious of all the forums in Ancient Rome.

http://www.ancienteu.com

http://www.famouswonders.com