The Forum (753 B.C. or even older)

How many times have you seen this exact, same picture?  It’s in every history book, tourist guide, and art text. I simply couldn’t leave it out. Surely one of the most evocative places on earth. Kinda hard to see what all the fuss is about though, don'tcha think? I mean look, really look at this place. Not much there really, just a pile of rocks with some grass, and a few unrecognizable buildings. Talk about using your imagination! Ok, here goes.  First things first, and we’ll start with the easy stuff. The arch—at least it’s obvious what that is. Roman generals and emperors, returning from the wars, enjoyed the honor of a triumph (a tumultuous parade), celebrating their victories. They would enter the Forum through a special arch set up just for that day. Eventually, for special victories, permanent arches were erected. This is the Arch of Emperor Septimus Severus, built in 203 A.D. It commemorates the 10th anniversary of his becoming emperor—not a famous victory.  Ok, so he didn’t follow the rules. You tell him he can’t have his arch. And good luck with that crucifixion. This is the freaking Emperor of Rome you’re giving a hard time to!

Right beside it to the left—behind the bushes—is the Rostra, the platform where politicians gave speeches to the voters.  It was here that Mark Antony gave his famous eulogy of Julius Caesar.  It was also the custom to hang battle trophies from it. Antony later fastened the head and hands of his political enemy Cicero to its railing. Politics was a lot rougher back then. Come to think of it though, just because a custom is old, doesn’t necessarily make it bad. We might revive that one.

Up the hill to your left, you can see the tower of the Palazzo Senatorio, which houses the offices of Rome’s mayor.  Below it, the gray stone foundation with the three arches is what’s left of the Tabularium, the public records building of the ancient city.  Kinda like the city-county building.

To the right, that group of tourists is walking on what remains of the via sacra, the Sacred Way. It was the oldest ceremonial street in Rome and served as a path for religious, civic, and triumphal processions. To the extreme right of the picture, the tall, brown building with three windows is the Senate House. Yep, the place where the “S” of SPQR met. This is where we got the idea of a Senate for the United States—but don’t hold that against Rome! How could they know what the U.S. Senate would become? After all, nobody forced us into this senate business! This building is the “new” Senate house, built in 284 A.D. by the Emperor Diocletian. The earlier ones kept burning down. Not a bad idea, really.  Again, sometimes old customs deserve to be resurrected.

This next picture looks at the Forum from the opposite direction. It was taken on the same day, within an hour of the first one. Roman weather can be changeable. You can see a big front coming. It roared through and soaked the city with a tremendous rainstorm. Kind of like Arkansas weather! In the foreground, among the arches, are the remains of the Basilica Julia, built by Julius Caesar. It housed law courts. Above and to the left, is the Column of Phocas, raised in honor of some guy who is now lost to history.  To its right is what’s left of the Basilica Aemelia. Guess what its purpose was? Yep, law courts. Those Romans just loved to sue each other! This is where we get our yen for litigation. I think the average Roman was happiest killing barbarians, and going to court.

Right in front of the white columns of the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda is a low, brown platform of brick. It is all that remains of the Temple to the Deified Julius Caesar. His body was burned on this spot after his assassination. His successor, Augustus decreed that a temple would be built to him there. Augustus was a penniless student in Greece when word came to him in 44 B.C. that his dead uncle had made him his heir, and therefore the richest man in Rome. He also was given control of a large political machine, and a sizable army that eventually allowed him to become the first Roman Emperor. In gratitude for all this good fortune, Augustus had his uncle declared a god.  Not a bad deal all around for everybody.  It was a win-win alright.