Forum (Roman)

It had a great social importance and was often the scene of diverse activities, including political discussions, meetings, et cetera.

Modelled on the Roman Forum and Imperial fora in Rome itself, they are to be found in Italy (often forming the piazza of the modern town) and throughout the former Roman Empire, with examples at:

• Lucca, now Piazza San Michele
• Verona, now Piazza delle Erbe
• Roman Forum, Philippi, at Philippi
• Roman Forum (Mérida), at Mérida, Spain
• Roman Forum (Pompeii), at Pompeii, Italy

In new Roman towns, the Forum was usually located at, or just off of, the intersection of the main north-south and east-west streets (the Cardo and Decumanus).

Related forms

• Agora
• Piazza
• Plaza
• Town square
• Civic center

Structures usually placed on the Forum

• Basilica
• Roman temple

See also

• Amphitheatre
• Greek Hippodrome
• Roman Circus
• Roman theatre (structure)