At the Roman Forum

Virtually explore the Roman Forum with Smarthistory as your guide

videos + essays

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The archaeological context of the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)
The archaeological context of the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)

Views of Rome have long fired human imagination, eliciting reactions that lead to contemplation and argue for conservation

The Roman Forum: Part 3, Ruins in modern imagination
The Roman Forum: Part 3, Ruins in modern imagination

Ruins function as political and private symbols even in the modern era

The Roman Forum: Part 2, Ruins in modern imagination (The Renaissance and after)
The Roman Forum: Part 2, Ruins in modern imagination (The Renaissance and after)

What did Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Masaccio take from ancient ruins of Rome?

The Roman Forum: Part 1, Ruins in modern imagination
The Roman Forum: Part 1, Ruins in modern imagination

How do we find meaning in amidst the ruins of the Roman Forum?

The Arch of Septimius Severus, portal to ancient Rome
The Arch of Septimius Severus, portal to ancient Rome

One of the most impressive monuments on the Roman Forum

Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine

Built using new technologies, this building is overwhelming and unprecedented—displaying Roman imperial power.

Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)
Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)

The heart of ancient Rome, the Forum Romanum was the monumental center of religious, political, and social life.