Traditional Roman Ruins

The Roman Forum looking toward the Colosseum

The Colosseum is, without a doubt, the biggest draw of the ancient neighborhood. A ticket to the Colosseum also includes entrance to both the Palatine and The Roman Forum, but there were far fewer people at the latter sights. If you have the Roma Pass you can visit these 3 monuments in any order, but if you are buying a ticket on sight, go to the Forum or Palatine first—the line is much shorter.

The Temple of Saturn; former treasury of Rome

At its heart, the Colosseum was an entertainment complex, but the Forum was the center of the ancient Roman republic and empire. There were temples to various Roman gods, each with a specific purpose for protecting and promoting the well-being of the empire. Returning from a successful conquest, the armies would parade through the Forum along the Via Sacra, or sacred way, up to the Temple of Saturn. This was where the Roman legions deposited their treasure into the coffers of Rome. Only the columned façade remains of the treasury of Rome. After unburdening themselves, the leaders of the armies would proceed to the Temple of Jupiter, the King of all the gods, to dedicate their victory to him, and to pray for future conquests on the battlefield.  Walking along a similar path, picking your steps carefully on the uneven Via Sacra, it’s overwhelming when you think about the people who’ve come before you. I know the stories, I’m aware of various emperors who left their mark on the world, but walking here, tracing their footsteps, I knew they were real. I knew the stories were more or less true.

The House of the Vestal Virgins

Another important temple in the Forum was dedicated to the goddess Vesta, the patron goddess of hearth, home, and family. This temple was tended by a group of priestesses called Vestal Virgins. These women were selected from among the children of the aristocracy before the age of 10. They served a 30 year term, and their most important duty was to keep the fire burning in the Temple of Vesta. This fire was the symbolic hearth of Rome, and if it ever went out, it signified certain disaster for the Romans. If the Vestal Virgins fulfilled their duties and remained pure, they lived a pampered life. They had box seats at the Colosseum across from the emperor and they lived in a beautiful home adjacent to the temple. At the end of their service term they were permitted to marry and given a large dowry. If, however, they were unable to abide by their vows of chastity, they were punished most severely; they were dragged out of their home, and buried alive. I loved the ruins of their former. It had a lovely courtyard with two pools in the middle. It was very peaceful, and it still managed to convey seclusion, despite missing walls and a roof.

Flowers in the Temple of Julius Caesar

Near the Temple of Vesta was the Temple of Julies Caesar. This temple commemorates the location of where his body was burnt following his brutal murder by the Senate. Caesar was later deified by Augustus, and since his death, citizens have left fresh flowers on the altar (now a mound of dirt/rocks) to show their support for the fallen emperor.

Maxentius Basilica. Only 3 side apses remain

Besides Temples, the Forum was dotted with basilicas. Roman basilicas were covered meeting places where justice was meted out. The general layout of Roman basilicas is similar to modern, religious basilicas. There is a large central aisle, and several covered apses on the sides, as well as an apse where the altar would be located. The most intact basilica on the Forum is the Maxentius Basilica, named for the emperor who started its construction, even though Constantine finished the building after defeating Maxentius. All that remains of this basilica are 3 side apses. Standing in this hollow shell, it’s hard to believe the surviving bit of the basilica is roughly ⅓ the size of the intact structure. The apses are humongous by today’s standards.

Another view of Maxentius Basilica, from Palatine Hill

Above the Forum is the Palatine Hill. Legend has it that Romulus and Remus were orphaned on this hill and raised by the she-wolf, Lupa. Romulus eventually killed Remus, and founded the city Rome, on the hill. Later, emperors built fabulous villas here in to which to gaze upon the Forum below. After the fall of Rome, the area was used by wealthy people in the middle ages for the same purpose. At one point there were beautiful gardens here as well, but these were removed during more modern excavations of the area. Today the Palatine is like a garden dotted with the ruins of palaces.

Ruins of a Roman Circus, seen from Palatine Hill

This area had the fewest visitors and was the most peaceful. The sunshine on top of the hill felt wonderful and the views of the surrounding areas were spectacular. Among the ruins of emperors palaces was the ruin of a circus, but Roman circuses were not modern circuses. Like the amphitheater, they were a class of building for a specific type of entertainment, in this case, chariot racing. The Palatine has been a beautiful vantage point for hundreds of years. Generations of people have enjoyed the sprawling area; don’t miss out on this treasure—especially since you've already paid for admission with your visit to the Colosseum.


Useful Links!
Pictures from our Trip
Information about Vesta, goddess of hearth, home, and family
Brief History of the Forum and Palatine
Interesting Article about the Roman Underground
How Rome Built Lasting Buildings
Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Online Booking
Roma Pass

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