The Roman Forum, located between the Colosseum and the Tiber island, was the very heart of ancient Rome during the Republican and Imperial periods. The area was drained in the 7th century B.C. and soon became the central location for political, judicial, economical and religious life in the city of Rome.
Today the Roman Forum appears as a wide expanse of ruins, symbol of the great power of ancient Rome, and it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in all the world.
Of remarkable significance are the Curia, that was the Senate meeting house; the white marble Arch of Septimius Severus, which consists of three archways built on a travertine base to commemorate the Emperor victories against the Parthians; the Tabularium, that was the official records office; and the Forum Main Square, in central position.
Among religious monuments are several temples and shrines dedicated to the worship of Gods, such as the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Basilica Iulia, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Basilica Aemilia, and the Temple of Vesta.
