Virtually explore the Roman Forum with Smarthistory as your guide
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![The archaeological context of the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-12-15-at-12.06.44-PM-363x350.png)
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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ruins3GRID-570x350.jpg)
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)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Forum2Grid-570x350.jpg)
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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ForumPart1Grid-570x350.jpg)
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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SeptimiusGrid-570x350.jpg)
The Arch of Septimius Severus, portal to ancient Rome
One of the most impressive monuments on the Roman Forum
![Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MaxentiusWideViewMed-570x350.jpg)
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
Built using new technologies, this building is overwhelming and unprecedented—displaying Roman imperial power.
![The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ForumBetter-570x350.jpg)
The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)
The heart of ancient Rome, the Forum Romanum was the monumental center of religious, political, and social life.