Roman Forum

The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) is a rectangular plaza surrounded by ruins of ancient government buildings at the center of Rome, often called the most celebrated meeting place in history. Originally a marshy cemetery, the valley was drained in the late 7th century BC and transformed into a civic center. For centuries it served as the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and commercial affairs. Key structures include the Temple of Vespasian, Arch of Septimius Severus, and Basilica of Maxentius. Attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually, it remains one of the world's most important archaeological sites.