Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar), Rome

Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar), Rome

The Forum of Caesar, also known as Forum Iulium or Forum Julium, was a significant forum built by Julius Caesar adjacent to the Forum Romanum in Rome in 46 BC. Caesar's decision to construct this forum led to the acquisition of expensive parcels of land in the northeast section of the Forum Romanum. The actual construction of the forum likely began in 51 BC, with the assistance of Cicero and Gaius Oppius, who were tasked with purchasing the land on Caesar's behalf as early as 54 BC.

On the eve of the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar made a vow to erect a temple dedicated to Venus Victrix, the legendary ancestor of his own clan, the gens Iulia. This dedication was a strategic move to gain the favor of Venus Victrix, who was Pompey's beloved goddess, before facing Pompey in battle. As Caesar became increasingly involved in the project, the Forum of Caesar evolved into a place for public affairs associated with the Senate, as well as a shrine dedicated to Caesar himself and Venus Genetrix.

Prior to his assassination, Caesar would convene the Senate in front of his temple, a controversial act that was met with disapproval by the Senate. The Forum of Caesar also had an impact on the Curia, which Caesar began to reconstruct in 44 BC, moving it closer to the forum. The proximity of the ten tabernae on the western side of the Forum to the Senate house symbolized the unity Caesar sought to establish between himself and the Senate.

Additionally, Caesar placed a statue of his favorite horse in front of the temple, which was later accompanied by a statue of Caesar himself riding the horse after his assassination.

Subsequently, during the reigns of Caesar and Augustus, the entire Forum underwent extensive reconstruction under the supervision of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Following this period, senatorial activities within the Forum diminished, except for the secretarium senatus established in the 4th century. The forum experienced restoration work under Diocletian after a fire in 283 AD.

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Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar) on Map

Sight Name: Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour

Food Tasting Walking Tour

Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

On this...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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