Imperial Forums

The expanse of ruins to the northeast of Via dei Fori Imperiali are known collectively as the Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali). Constructed between 42 BC and AD 112, they were largely buried in 1933 when Mussolini built Via dei Fori Imperiali. Excavations have since unearthed much of them, but work continues and visits are limited to the Foro di Traiano (Trajan’s Forum), accessible through the Museo dei Fori Imperiali. Little that is recognisable remains of the forum except for some pillars from the Basilica Ulpia and the Colonna di Traiano (Trajan’s Column), whose minutely detailed reliefs celebrate Trajan’s military victories over the Dacians (from modern-day Romania). To the southeast of Trajan’s forum, three temple columns arise from the ruins of the Foro di Augusto (Augustus’ Forum), now mostly under Via dei Fori Imperiali. The Foro di Nerva (Nerva’s Forum) was also buried by Mussolini’s road-building, although part of a temple dedicated to Minerva still stands. Originally, it would have connected the Foro di Augusto to the 1st-century Foro di Vespasiano (Vespasian’s Forum), also known as the Forum of Peace. On the other side of the road, three columns on a raised platform are all that remain of the Foro di Cesare (Caesar’s Forum).