Imperial Forums

The Imperial Forums in Rome form a monumental extension of the ancient city center, stretching north and east of the Roman Forum. This complex of five separate forums, including those of Caesar, Augustus, Vespasian, Nerva, and Trajan, was built to meet the growing political and administrative needs of the Roman Republic and the Imperial era. Each emperor followed the example of his predecessor and had his own complex constructed, often marked by porticoes and temples. The Forum of Caesar bordered the old center directly, while Augustus laid out a similar space to the east, protected from fires by a wall. Later, Vespasian added the Templum Pacis, a square that was connected to the Forum of Augustus by the Forum of Nerva. The most impressive area was created by Trajan, who even had a hill removed to establish a link to the Campus Martius. Today the Via dei Fori Imperiali, built through the ruins under Mussolini, runs straight across these historic sites, which let you immerse yourself in the grand architecture and history of ancient Rome.