The Roman Forum

Directly above Brian's finger is the Honorary Column raised in honour of emperor Phocas in 608 AD.


Arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 202 AD. Pictured below.

Temples of Saturn and of Concord pictured below. The Temple of Saturn was begun during the last years of the kings and inaugurated at the beginning of the Republic 498 AD and it was venerated as one of the most ancient shrines of Rome. An outbreak of fire made it necessary it be given a restoration late in the 3rd century AD. The columns where considered to be the center (umbilicus)of Rome.

Again below is the Basilica Aemilia, with views of the Temple of Saturn in the distance. The Basilica Aemilia is the sole survivor of the Republican Basilicas. The Basilica Aemilia was actually built in 179 BC. Subsequently modified on many occasions (lastly by Augustus in 14 BV and by Tiberius in 22 AD.) This marble still preserves traces of the fire that destroyed the basilica in 410 AD. It is said that in front of its steps, sits a small round sacellum which marks the point where the Romans and the Sabines made peace and purified themselves after the battle fought in the Forum following the famous 'rape' of the Sabine women.
Caesar's Forum and the Temple of Venus Genetrix. The Temple was inaugurated on 26 September in the year 46 BC.
Caesar's Forum and the Temple of Venus.