Rome | Roman Forum 🏛️
The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and cultural center of ancient Rome, the heart of the Roman Republic and Empire, and a vital archaeological site for contemporary studies of Roman history. The historical content about the Roman Forum is incredibly rich. On one hand, it serves as the heart of ancient Rome; on the other, it has undergone centuries of archaeological excavations, resulting in a wealth of information. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! 🌟 🟩 Pre-Roman Period The history of the Roman Forum dates back to the 12th century BC when it was originally a low-lying area between the Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, with a river flowing through it. Starting in the Late Bronze Age (1200-975 BC), people began to settle on the two hills (the Latins and Sabines). In the Early Iron Age (10th century BC), the residents of the hills used this low area as a burial ground (Iron Age graves were later discovered near the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina; the main burial practice at the time was cremation, with ashes placed in urns or shaped like a house in ceramic cinerary boxes). Later, due to trade with the Greeks (initially, a river connected the valley to the Tiber River, allowing goods from Greece to enter the area), people (mainly Etruscans) began to establish a marketplace in the valley of the Roman Forum. 🟩 Monarchy Period In 753 BC, Romulus founded the Kingdom of Rome on Palatine Hill. According to legend, at the beginning of the nation’s establishment, the Roman population was too small, so they went to the nearby Sabine tribe on Capitoline Hill to abduct women (this story inspired many artists during the Renaissance, known as The Rape of the Sabine Women). In response, Sabine King Titus Tatius declared war on the Kingdom of Rome. Ultimately, the Romans achieved victory in the Roman-Sabine War and formed an alliance. The low area between the two hills served as a communication hub for both tribes, and the original marketplace expanded to become a venue for public gatherings, speeches, civil trials, and major religious ceremonies, thus becoming the initial forum (Comitium). #RomanForum #AncientRome
