The only well-preserved monument in the Forum is the
beautiful arch erected by the emperor Septimius Severus. Beyond it are three
columns which once formed part of the temple of Castor. They date from the time
of Tiberius. In front are the foundations of the Basilica Julia, built by
Augustus. Next come eight Ionic columns, all that remain of the temple of
Saturn. Near it and in the foreground are several columns in the Corinthian
style, belonging to a temple built by Vespasian.
THE FORUM IN ANTIQUITY
These ruined monuments, these empty foundations and lonely
pillars, afford little idea of all the wealth of architecture that once adorned
this spot. Here stood the circular shrine of Vesta, guarding the altar and
its ever-blazing fire. Here was the temple of Concord, famous in Roman history.
The Senate-house was here, and just before it, the Rostra, a platform
adorned with the beaks (_rostra_) of captured ships. From this place Roman
orators addressed their assembled fellow-citizens.
THE GRANDEUR OF ROME
How splendid a scene must have greeted an observer in
ancient times who, from the height of the Capitol, gazed at the city before
him. The Forum was then one radiant avenue of temples, triumphal arches,
columns, and shrines. And beyond the Forum stretched a magnificent array of
theaters and amphitheaters, enormous baths, colossal sepulchers, and statues in
stone and bronze. So prodigious an accumulation of objects beautiful, costly,
and rare has never before or since been found on earth.
