Roman Forum

"The Roman Forum is where ancient Rome began. The sprawling archaeological park gives us just a hint of what the Roman Empire once was—a dominant and diverse society. The Forum itself was the political, social, religious, and commercial focal point for the Roman Republic and eventually the whole Empire—for the most elite members ofsociety as well as the common plebs. Walking through the Forum is a walk through history, from its beginning as a valley with small hilltop communities (8th century B.C.E.) to its rise as the capital of an empire. The ruins of basilicas, temples, public forum spaces, and shops can be explored, and the adventure leads to Palatine Hill, an area ofhigh-societypatrician homes including the house of Caesar Augustus."

"The Roman Forum is where ancient Rome began. The sprawling archaeological park gives us just a hint of what the Roman Empire once was—a dominant and diverse society. The Forum itself was the political, social, religious, and commercial focal point for the Roman Republic and eventually the whole Empire—for the most elite members ofsociety as well as the common plebs. Walking through the Forum is a walk through history, from its beginning as a valley with small hilltop communities (8th century B.C.E.) to its rise as the capital of an empire. The ruins of basilicas, temples, public forum spaces, and shops can be explored, and the adventure leads to Palatine Hill, an area ofhigh-societypatrician homes including the house of Caesar Augustus."

"The Roman Forum is where ancient Rome began. The sprawling archaeological park gives us just a hint of what the Roman Empire once was—a dominant and diverse society. The Forum itself was the political, social, religious, and commercial focal point for the Roman Republic and eventually the whole Empire—for the most elite members ofsociety as well as the common plebs. Walking through the Forum is a walk through history, from its beginning as a valley with small hilltop communities (8th century B.C.E.) to its rise as the capital of an empire. The ruins of basilicas, temples, public forum spaces, and shops can be explored, and the adventure leads to Palatine Hill, an area ofhigh-societypatrician homes including the house of Caesar Augustus."

"Rome’s cobbled streets and sweltering sun might seem like a hindrance to running but head out early in the morning and you’ll reap all the picturesque rewards that the city has to offer. Group running tours from a number of outfits kick off when the weather’s still cool and the tourists are asleep. These routes afford a plethora of unimpeded sights, such as Castel Sant’Angelo and the Colosseum. If you’re heading out alone, start at the crack of dawn and dart over to the Roman Forum – a singular spectacle at that hour."

"This massive site, found mostly between Piazza Venezia and the Colisseum in Rome's centro storico is filled with remains of what was the commercial, governmental and religious heart of the old Empire. Though you can explore your grounds on your own, this is one site where you may want to get a tour guide to show you around as there is very little signage about what you are looking at." - Laura Itzkowitz