The Roman Forum

Hello, my name is Carlos Balderas. I am a high school student from Mexico, and I want to share my incredible experience visiting the Roman Forum and the Colosseum during the very first week here in Rome. 

Last Tuesday we went to the Roman Forum. Our program leader Sara and our Program Assistant Martina, were very good at giving us a quick description of the place. We learned that it was the center of ancient Rome, full of essential buildings and activities. Sara said that is why the Forum looks like it does today because, over time, many of those old buildings' stones and materials were used for new buildings. That explains why most of the old buildings have already turned into ruins. The explanations helped us understand why the Roman Forum is so important and why it is an important piece of history and culture for Rome. 

We have been told that the Roman Forum was a place of public life during the ancient history of Rome, where it was situated. The Forum represented an area surrounded by grand buildings such as temples, basilicas, and offices. Activities carried out in the Forum were many, from markets and elections to public speeches and religious ceremonies. The Forum was the center of Rome. It was an important center for social, political, and religious life in the city.

We learned that Vesta was the Roman goddess of hearth, home, and family. Her temple was called the Temple of Vesta. This temple was significant and quite different because it was round. Inside, there was an eternal flame that always burnt—a symbol of the home fires of Rome. The Vestal Virgins tended the flame. They were responsible for keeping the fire burning, ensuring and securing the city's welfare.

We also learned that the Temple of Castor and Pollux was dedicated to the twin brothers, who were patrons of sailors and horse riders. Unlike the round Temple of Vesta, this rectangular shape was adorned with Corinthian columns, which were taller and more ornate on the top, reflecting strength and beauty valuable to the Romans. The temple was used as a place not only for worship but also for meetings and storage of treasures

-Carlos Balderas