The Forum (a Latin word meaning open space
or market place) was the administrative and
corporate heart of Rome. Generally this word
referred to the open space in any Roman town
where business, judicial, civic, or religious
activities were conducted. A typical forum might
be surrounded by temples, shops, and basilicas
(large, covered structures used for various
meetings).
In Rome, there were several forums. The most
famous, the Roman Forum, was designed by the
architect Vitruvius who felt the proportions
needed to be 3:2 (length to width). For centuries,
the Roman Forum was the site of the city's most
important public buildings including the Arch
of Septimius Severus, built in A.D.203 and the
Rostra or public speaking platforms. The reliefs
on the triple arch represented many of Rome's
victories over oriental tribes and the Rostra
was decorated with prows of warships captured
during battles. The Roman Forum became the spectacular
showcase of the Empire filled with beautiful
statues and architecture.
Eventually, the Roman Forum proved too small
for Rome's ever growing public activities. Consequently,
the first Imperial Forum was built in 54 B.C.
by Caesar. Most subsequent emperors built their
own forums including Nerva, Vespasian, and Trajan,
who built the largest which covered an area
of 25 acres
