The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome. It was a big open square surrounded by important buildings. People went there to shop, meet friends, and hear speeches. Leaders made big decisions in the Forum. Today, you can still see its old ruins in the city of Rome, Italy.

A Busy Place

For over 1,000 years, the Roman Forum was the busiest place in Rome. Traders sold food and goods from stalls. Judges held trials in large buildings called basilicas. Priests made offerings at the temples. Great leaders like Julius Caesar gave speeches to huge crowds here.

What Is Left Today

Over time, the Forum fell apart and got buried under dirt. People dug it up in the 1800s. Today, you can see broken columns, old temples, and pieces of buildings. Some arches are still standing tall. Visitors from all over the world come to walk where ancient Romans once walked.

Fun Facts

• The Roman Forum was once the center of the largest empire in the world.
• Some buildings in the Forum are over 2,500 years old.
• Cows used to graze on the Forum ruins before it was dug up.

Did You Know?

A temple in the Forum had a fire that was never allowed to go out, kept burning by priestesses called Vestal Virgins.