Experiencing Rome

While “visiting” the Forum area of Ancient Rome, I followed a prescribed tour by the Lonely Planet’s online guide. Upon “landing” in the street (with the help of Google Maps) one particular detail of my surroundings became apparent: the modern and ancient worlds have evolved to coexist in harmony with each other. Despite the fact that ancient architecture does very obviously stand out from its contemporary surroundings, the organic flow of the area is, in itself, a feat.

Aerial View
(Nina Malek-2013)

Lonely Planet has suggested many different stops on my tour (twenty-two to be exact); for the purpose of this blog, I will focus on three.

The first stop on my tour is the Rostrum. Lonely Planet describes the Rostrum as an elevated podium, making reference to it as one of the settings in a Shakespearian play. Most interesting to me is the lack of historical background provided by Lonely Planet with regard to the Rostrum’s importance in Ancient Rome. The Rostrum was a place where politicians and others of importance were able to speak to the people of Rome. In later years, it was used as a place to display the heads of fallen enemies of Rome. It is difficult to imagine the Rostrum’s political legacy (and sometimes gory history) seeing it in its current unassuming state.

Rostrum
(Source: http://www.roman-empire.net/tours/rome/rostrum.html)

After Seeing the Rostrum, the next stop on my journey through the Ancient Roman Forum was the Colonna di Foca. Named in honour of the emperor Phocus, Colonna di Foca marks the Forum’s main market and meeting place. According to Lonely Planet, it was also the last monument erected in the Roman Forum. Upon closer inspection of the column, it is in Corinthian style (although the top appears to be worn down). The column’s surroundings appear to be mostly rubble, however records suggest that this location was once the center of daily life in the Forum. One must wonder why a simple column would be used as a monument over a statue (or something else more personalized). Perhaps it was left from another building project? None the less, Ancient Roman culture can be likened to that of modern day where perhaps a shopping mall or town hall can mark a city centre.

Colonna di Foca
(Source: http://www.romaonline.net/index.php?pg_bag=to
ur_it&oper=show_tour_it_itinerari&iter_id=7812&place_id=1289)

A trip through the Roman Forum would not be complete without visiting a basilica; hence, Basilica di Massenzio is the final stop. Lonely Planet notes Basilica di Massenzio as the largest building on the Forum. Started by the Emperor Maxentius and later finished by Constantine (after he defeated the former Emporer Maxentius), the Basilica can also be referred to by its other name: Basilica di Constantine. Lonely Planet also states that a massive statue of Constantine was unearthed at the site in 1487, suggesting that Basilica di Massenzio was intended to be a show of power in its size and relationship to the new Emperor. Remains of the Basilica tower over the neighbouring trees.

Basilica di Massenzio
(Source: http://www.laboratorioroma.it/passeggiate%20romane/Aree%20A
rcheologiche/Altri%20Monumenti/altri%20monumenti.htm)

Though just the ruins remain of what was once a grand city center, a feeling of greatness lingers in the air. The fact that ruins remain (especially considering the long history of neglect the Forum has endured) is a testament to the technology of the era. My guidebook, Lonely Planet, gave a good overview of the Roman Forum. Though slightly neglectful of some important historical aspects, it did give enough information to "walk through" and understand what I was looking at. Thousands of years later we can still stand in awe of the Roman Empire.

Goldsworthy, Adrian. Caesar: Life of a Colossus. Conneticut: Yale University Press, 2008.

Google. “Google Maps- Roman Forum, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy.” Accessed January 21, 2013.https://maps. google.ca

Lonely Planet. “Roman Forum (Foro Romano).” Accessed January 22, 2013. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/sights/archaeologic al-site/roman-forum-foro

Roth, Leland M. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning. Colorado: Westview Press, 2007.