{"id":9019,"date":"2023-10-18T18:45:12","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T17:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9019"},"modified":"2023-10-18T18:45:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T17:45:12","slug":"when-was-the-roman-forum-used-for-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/when-was-the-roman-forum-used-for-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"When Was The Roman Forum Used For In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Roman Forum was an integral part of life in Ancient Rome, and was used for a variety of functions. It was the center of government, commerce and religion in the city, and was the site of some of the most famous events in Roman history. From political speeches to religious sacrifice, it was the hub of ancient Roman life. It is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the city today and still has a profound impact on the culture.<\/p>\n

The Forum began as a marketplace in the 6th century BC, where merchants and traders would meet to conduct business. It quickly grew in importance and by the mid-Republican period, it had become the place to go for legal disputes and political discourse. Julius Caesar’s famous appointment as dictator in 45 BCE took place in the Roman Forum, as did the funeral of his daughter, Julia, two years later. Other notable events included the return of Cicero from exile in 58BCE, the emission of coins with the Valerii Maximi family name in 39AD and the burial of Emperor Augustus in 14AD.<\/p>\n

A number of important religious ceremonies were carried out at the Forum as well. These included the Vestal Virgins’ procession of March 17 every year, the Lupercalia festival of February 15, and the ceremonies to observe the death of Julius Caesar on March 15 each year. The Senate often held weekly assemblies in the Forum, and it was usually the site of great public gatherings, feasts, and games. It became the go-to place to discuss politics, news and the latest events, and to have open-ended debates about Rome’s future. It was also the site of a variety of religious feast days and processions.<\/p>\n

The architecture of the Forum was very impressive. Its perimeter was made up of ten towers, each dedicated to an Emperor. Seven of them have been destroyed, but three have survived until present day. There were also shrines, temples and basilicas, which were dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The Forum was surrounded by shops and businesses, which attracted many tourists and shoppers.<\/p>\n