Facts you didn't know about the Roman Forum

Let's take a dive into the past, even before the construction of St. Peter's Basilica; at that time, Ancient Roman society evolved into one its most comprehensive political/social civilizations during history. One place you can go is The Forum Romanum, where many important events occurred, such as government meetings or religious rituals among other things happening there before! The Forum of Ancient Rome was an awe-inspiring place that grew exponentially under the rule of one emperor after another. The center became home not only for some important temples and monuments but also government buildings which helped to shape society as we know it today! 

The Roman Forum is a fascinating place in the heart of Rome, Italy. It's where you can find some rare statues and columns from centuries ago as well as 4 million tourists who want to learn more about this magnificent ancient city! Here are five facts that may surprise even experts: 

1 - The most ancient two temples of the Roman Forum: the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor & Pollux

The original Temple of Saturn is considered as one of the most ancient temples due to the fact that it was built around 500 BC in the Roman Forum. We can still see its columns standing today and even though their visible form has been rebuilt twice over - once over a shrine dedicated to god Sialia (or "Ara") from which all other temples have originated since time immemorial; then again during 42 BC, when Emperor Augustus decided that he did not want any more renewed buildings blocking out his view while looking down on Rome’s citizens below him.

When the Temple of Saturn was first built, it had an Egyptian granite column that held up one side. But over time these have been replaced with travertine and now stand at each end as well to make way for something much more modern, like our society today! In ancient Rome on December 17th there would be a rest period called “Saturnalia”, where all slaves were given their rights back until dinner-time’s end.

But now we can enjoy this moment together!

 Temples in ancient Rome were not just places of worship but also served as financial centers for the city. The Temple to Saturn, which stood on top of an agricultural surplus that made it rich and powerful, became known both nationally and internationally due its importance with regards to coinage - where wealth was stored before being distributed throughout society or spent abroad by Romans themselves through trade routes extending all around Europe along this great trading network called "The Silk Road."

In ancient times, there were two temples that stood at the foot of Mount Optimus. The first was a church dedicated to Jupiter and dating back before Christ’s birth according to legend (although some scholars believe it may have been built during Roman times). It had only three columns but still managed to convey an impressively large stature with eight Corinthian ones on each facade as well as eleven more supporting its sides. A little further up cave way lies another Temple, the Temple of Castor and Pollux Pollux, which replaced another one destroyed by fire centuries ago.

The temple was built to honor the Roman twins, Castor and Pollux. However there is an interesting story explaining why this structure has been dedicated in their name: two mysterious warriors rode up on white horses during a battle 500 years ago, leading Rome towards victory against Latins! 

After the clash, Castor and Pollux gave to their steeds water from the Juturnia Spring. The Roman General, Aulus Postumius decided then to build right there a temple to celebrate and remember the twins.

The Temple of Castor and Pollux was an important site for Romans. Every July 15, they conducted a massive cavalry parade called “transvectio” when over 5 thousand men led by two actors impersonating the twins made their way towards this temple, remembering the great victory that had been won in battle years ago.

2 - Dwelling of the Vestal Virgins

Within the law and order of Ancient Rome, one woman held a prestigious position as Vestal Virgin. Girls with such title were required to remain "pure" during their term in office; furthermore they were given an important duty: keeping Vesta’s flame constantly lit - which symbolized life for all Roman citizens. The Romans believed that there would be no light without this sacred flame's soothing glow so it had become crucial not only to physically protect its integrity but also by ensuring continuous supervision from senior officials such was common practice.

The Vestal Virgins were 30 year old women who served at the Temple of Vesta in Ancient Rome. After their period of service, they received a retirement pay and permission to get married, but most chose chastity for themselves before they officially retired from society with all its pleasures! There were six such temples total- one per month- and if you decide to visit them today then your expert guide will take you to the place where these sacred virgins lived 2 thousand years ago (the "Atrium Vestae") but also to admire several sculptures representing them looking over what remains: ruins built long after their time.

The Vestal Virgins were considered to be at the top of Ancient Rome's social hierarchy. They enjoyed many perks, including owning property and being transported in luxurious carriages throughout town while still having access rights that most Romans did not have - until they broke their vows by violating chastity or putting out any fire from within Vesta herself! If this happened then there would be only one punishment: being buried alive... Thankfully, it never came into use very often.

The downfall was extremely severe; you had your life taken away bit by bit until nothing remained but an empty shell.

3 - The Oldest “Shopping Mall” in the World

The history of Ancient Rome is dotted with the names and deeds of great leaders. Some were greedy, power-hungry or malevolent; others tried their best for public sake even if it meant giving up some personal gain in terms material wealth and others. One whom comes across as truly magnificent though was Emperor Trajan who took upon himself nearly half globe sized realm which comprised parts Northern Africa all way down into England at one point! 

The construction of Trajan's Market in the Roman Forum was an incredible project that required complete trust from its architect, Apollodorus. He designed this massive building around 115 AD after being commissioned by Emperor Trajan who needed something impressive to display his power and glory upon arrival into Rome when he became emperor back at the age of 27! 

The Trajan's Market was a complex architectural wonder truly ahead of its time. It is believed that the bottom floor was used as an shopping center, while upper floors were dedicated to public administration: records management and other necessary rooms for running the government.

Trajan's Market is an incredible place to visit if you want a glimpse into the ancient world. It has pristine marble floors and stunning views over one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Forum Romanum! The Market was completed in 110 AD as part of Pausania Market, which presented goods from all around Mediterranean - this includes items such as olive oil or wine, but also everyday necessities including bread (which they would affectionately call "brioche"). With many columns still intact after thousand years; it gives modern visitor amazing opportunity peek presidential grandiosity that existed here before their time. 

4 - The Roman Forum and One of the Most Famous Funeral Oration

It is believed that on March 15th 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated by some members of the Senate. The dictator and beloved leader who had served Rome well for many years became increasingly popular among his people until he made one major political mistake: becoming too enthusiastic about himself! It seems those feelings led him into dangerous territory where envy infected some minds; they conspired against their own leader without thinking twice before taking action - knife stabs came soon after as punishment.

When Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March, his funeral proceedings were nothing noteworthy. A massive crowd walked alongside an elaborate coffin down one famous street in Rome, Via Sacra, and onto another platform known as “The Rasta”, which had been built for delivering speeches in front of large crowds during times like these. Marc Antony, a close friend and admirer from whom we may have taken our word oration skills, began with heart wrenching speeches, by expressing how much he and other men like him loved their country, even if it meant death because there are always things more important than life itself.

 When Marc Antony spoke, the people of Rome stood united in their grief and threw candles onto Caesar’s funeral pyre. They cremated what was left over from this vengeful act by establishing an empire under Cleopatra VII that would last for centuries before falling again into civil war.

The Senate assassinate Caeser with hopes to restore balance between themselves as well-wishers; however instead they saw nothing but disorder unfold before them. When visiting the Roman Forum today, there may be a small line of people in front an area called “Tempio di Giulio Cesare" or Julius Caesar's Temple. Supposedly this is where funeral and cremation took place for those wishing to honor his memory with gifts such as flowers on top off other offerings left behind by travelers from all over Italy who come here year after year, seeking solace knowing they'll never forget what he did. 

Sounds like something out of Shakespeare? It's not because only in 1599, William Shakespeare re-told the story and life of Julius Caesar. The powerful line spoken by Marc Antony will timelessly commemorate this tale: "Friends, Romans countrymen…"

5 - An important Archeological Site & its Discoveries

The Forum Romanum was once a bustling marketplace that had been expanding until the reign of Constantine. As Europe began to fall duringAD, so did this important historical site known as Campo Vaccino or "Cow Camp". By Middle Ages times it had degraded into nothing more than an abandoned cattle grazing field renamed for its former glory- the Roman Forum!

The ruins of the ancient Roman Forum are a fascinating piece into one corner of history, and they have been enlightening us for centuries. Centuries later, in 1803, when Carlo Fea discovered them at first glance, it was thought that he had found some old Christian basilica because there were still walls standing where once stood temples to several different gods such as Apollo or Jupiter… But then something else caught his eye: rophanges -shaped stones located underground around what would become known as St Peter's Square! It turned out these weren't mere foundations after all but rather remains from an even earlier building phase dating back before anything. 

In 2009, archaeologists discovered scraps of food and ceramic materials which dated back to the 800 or 900 BC. These findings have led historians specialized in ancient Rome's history to believe that this civilization is at least a century older than previously estimated! As recently as 2020 an underground temple was found along with 55 inch (1.4 meter) sarcophagus carved out from 600 BC material located almost directly below Lapis Niger - said by some experts may be buried Romulus the founder. The discovery of an ancient Roman burial ground with the remains unknown has left archeologists in awe. The land was set to remain untouched by man but instead there are markings that state " Holy King" and this is just one example supporting how much they celebrated Romulus' birth even when we don't exactly know whether it was real or not.

The Forum never ceases to yield amazing fresh treasures.