The Roman Forum was the center of public and government activity in ancient Rome. The word "forum" comes from the Latin word meaning "marketplace". Although merchants sold goods such as wines, vegetables, and grain at the forum, the main activity was politics. Here orators spoke to the public and the Senate met to discuss issues with the Emperor. Besides government duties, the public also had a place in the forum. They could look at treasures brought back from battles, watch a theater production, or observe boxing and gladiator duels. Although the forum contained merchant’s stands and government buildings, religious temples also had a very important place in the forum. Temples to such gods as Saturn, Concord, and Jove were used as treasuries and meeting places for the Senate. In all, the forum was used as a civil center.
Originally, the forum was used as a cemetery, when Rome was still just a lot of villages bundled together. Then, temples were built, giving it a grand appearance. Eventually, the courthouse, Basilica Porcia, was erected and others such as Basilica Julia followed. When Rome finally became the capital of the European Empire, the forum became the center of government. Due to the mass amount of citizens, the main forum, the Forum Romanum Magnum, became crowded. In 54 B.C., Julius Caesar began construction on a new, smaller forum that was to alleviate the crowding of the main forum. Other emperors followed his lead and new forums were created, all of which connected to the Forum Romanum Magnum.
The forums remind us of the power that the Roman empire once held and the beauty of their architecture. Once bustling centers of trade and government activity, they are now empty, a sign of the great Roman Empire.