Rostri (Rostra Platform), Rome

The Rostra was a significant platform in ancient Rome that existed during both the republican and imperial eras. The term "Rostra" is derived from the six rostra, or warship rams, which were captured in 338 BC after the Roman victory in the Battle of Antium during the Latin War. These rostra were mounted on the side of the platform, hence the name. Originally, the Rostra referred to a singular structure situated within the Comitium area near the Roman Forum, often associated with the Senate Curia. Over time, additional platforms were built for similar purposes and were also called Rostra, along with the name of their builder or the person they commemorated. During the imperial age, the original Rostra came to be known as Rostra Vetera or the "Elder Rostra."

The Rostra held great significance as it served as a platform from which magistrates, politicians, advocates, and other orators addressed the assembled people of Rome. This elevated spot was highly esteemed and provided a prominent location for delivering speeches and engaging with the public. The Rostra was consecrated as a templum, or a sacred space, by the Augurs, a priestly college responsible for interpreting signs and omens.

The original Rostra was constructed as early as the 6th century BC, and although it underwent replacement and enlargement several times, it remained in the same location for centuries. However, in November 2008, heavy rain caused damage to the concrete covering that had been protecting the Vulcanal and its monuments in the Imperial comitium space since the 1950s. Among these monuments is the stele known as "The Black Rock" or Lapis Niger. The covering consists of a mixture of the original black marble, which was believed to have been used by Sulla to cover the site, and modern cement, which was applied to preserve the marble in place.