What was one of the most interesting about my trip to Rome last April was having a first hand glimpse of the Roman Forum. It helped a lot that we had some Filipino priests with us who have been living and studying in Rome for a while now and they have been perfect tour guides.
The Roman Forum is located between the hills of Palatine and the Capitoline where the ancient Roman civilization developed. Thousands of years ago, the area used to be a marshland and by unbelievable engineering (during the ancient times, that is), which was commissioned by the last two Etruscan kings, a canal that is still functioning up to this day, allowed for the drainage of the land. It was later expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts and its ancient royal residence known as the Regia and the surrounding buildings for the Vestal Virgins. The area further developed and became the hub of commerce, socials and politics.
When the Roman Empire fell, the part of the Forum was abandoned and later on gradually covered with soil and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. It was only in the 18th century that the Forum was rediscovered and excavated and the long process of the recovery of the ancient ruins was made.
The Roman Forum is located between the hills of Palatine and the Capitoline where the ancient Roman civilization developed. Thousands of years ago, the area used to be a marshland and by unbelievable engineering (during the ancient times, that is), which was commissioned by the last two Etruscan kings, a canal that is still functioning up to this day, allowed for the drainage of the land. It was later expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts and its ancient royal residence known as the Regia and the surrounding buildings for the Vestal Virgins. The area further developed and became the hub of commerce, socials and politics.
When the Roman Empire fell, the part of the Forum was abandoned and later on gradually covered with soil and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. It was only in the 18th century that the Forum was rediscovered and excavated and the long process of the recovery of the ancient ruins was made.
The Arch of Septimus Severus - a triumphal arch erected in 203 AD to celebrate the victories of Emperor Septimus Severus and his sons. Located in the northeast end of the forum.
One of the four panels placed above the lateral arches on each side. This one shows the attack of the city of Seleucia on the River Tigris in the lower part and the upper part surrender of the Parthians to the emperor and his entry into the conquered town.
Intricate design of the inner part of the arch. Simply exquisite!!!And they don't have the luxury of power tools at that time.
Temple of Saturn - oldest surviving structure in that area, having been established between 501 and 498 BC
An open square in the center of the forum is the hub of political activities of the Roman Republic.This was the location of many public meetings. It is surrounded by many important buidlings and monuments.
Looking back to thousands of years ago...
Requisite group shot at the Roman Forum 
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