Did you know that the magnificent Roman forums were the epicentre of daily life in ancient Rome? From courts of law to museums, libraries, lecture halls, and memorials, they served as religious and administrative centres as well. These architectural showcases were built using precious marble and granite from all over the Roman Empire. It's no surprise that they were considered wonders of the world! We have six great forums to explore, and each of them has a unique story to tell.

The imperial forums are a testament to the extraordinary architectural achievements of the ancient Romans. The Forum of Trajan stands tall as the largest and most stunning forum of them all, making it a sight to behold. Meanwhile, the Roman Forum, despite being the oldest of them all, holds great historical significance. Built almost a thousand years before the Western Roman Empire ended in 476 AD, this forum played a crucial role in shaping the course of Roman history. I have arranged the forums according to their impressive architecture and size, with the Forum of Trajan taking the lead.

Our journey through the six great forums of Rome takes us back in time, allowing us to appreciate their beauty and grandeur as they were originally built. I have used some of my own original drawings, diagrams, and photographs to showcase these remarkable structures. Some forums have stood the test of time better than others, giving us more to explore today. I also explore certain forums in greater detail because of their significance to ancient Roman culture. The Roman Forum, for example, though not actually an imperial forum, has a long, rich history and remains an important cultural landmark in Rome. By the time the Western Roman Empire ended in 476 AD, the Roman Forum was almost 1,000 years old.

It is unfortunate that these once magnificent forums have not withstood the test of time. After all, over two thousand years have passed since they were built - and time is not kind to old buildings. Despite this, we are fortunate that there is still much to see today. It is truly remarkable to witness the remnants of a bygone era, and I encourage you to explore these forums for yourself someday if you visit Rome. Please click on one of the images above to take a step back in time and immerse yourself in something really wonderful that the ancient Romans created. So let's delve in and take a look !