Roman Forum/ Julius Caesar honored

The forum was the center of political, commercial and judicial life in Ancient Rome. It was also a meeting place that was safe and outside the ancient city, in a way it's a neutral place. In the forum there are many columns which survived after the rest of the temple had not.

Basica Julia was a temple named after Julius Caesar but also there is a temple just dedicated to him and it was erected on the spot were Caesar's body was cremated after his assassination. Other things present was the temple of the Vestal Virgins which held the priestesses who took care of the sacred flame. Some lovely structures still stand.

The Arch of Titus also located here was constructed by the Roman Emperor Domitian to honor his brother Titus and to commemorate his victory in sacking Jerusalem.

Arch of Titus

This is known as a triumphal arch in the shape of a monumental archway usually built to celebrate a victory but sometimes celebrates a ruler. Another arch was the Arch of Septimus Severus which is a very striking piece.

Arch of Septimus Severus

It was built to celebrate his tenth anniversary of his accession. Some of the relief panels are largely eroded but they celebrate some of his victories in battles. Looking at the top you can see the that one of Septimus's sons names has been removed. Carcalla actually murdered his brother Ceta and then removed his name so people would forget about him. The holes of his name are still visible. The most fascinating Arch I found was the Arch of Constantine because so much detail is still present.

Arch of Constantine

This was dedicated to celebrate Constantine's victory over Maxentius. What is interesting about this arch is most of the medallions present were scavenged from earlier monuments.

• Rostra- these are the ruins of the platform used for public oratory in the forum.
• Column of Phocas- One of the very last monuments erected in the Forum, this single column dates form AD 608.

Column of Phocas

• Temple of Vesta- Partly reconstructed, this temple to the goddess of the hearth was one of ancient Rome's most sacred shrines.

• Trajan's markets- wonder of the classical world, 150 shops and offices, ancient roman version of a shopping mall.