Pompeii Forum | Explore the Political and Religious Fulcrum of Pompeii

The Pompeii Forum was the centre of trade, politics, culture and religion in ancient Rome. It was also a thriving market and the seat of many beautiful temples, administrative quarters and legal offices in Pompeii, a once-sophisticated Roman city. While political activities were confined to the northern corners of the Forum, the rest of the area was expanded into large markets and public gathering spaces. It occupied quite a large area measuring 157 x 38 meters with a fine view of Mount Vesuvius. 

Brief History of the Pompeii Forum

The Pompeii Forum was built around the 4th century BCE near a crucial communication point that connected Neapolis, Nola and Stabiae. Constructed with volcanic tuff and solidified lava, there were many shops in the area that were eventually conquered and expanded by the Romans in around the 2nd century BCE.

The complete renovation by the Romans included various cultural and political buildings rising up. Under the Roman emperor Augustus, restoration works were carried out during the 1st century BCE which included new structures like the building of Eumachia, the sanctuary of Augustus and the Macellum. 

Following the devastating effects of the earthquake in 62 AD, revival efforts began in the whole of Pompeii city including the Pompeii Forum. The results and remains of this revival are what we see today in and around the Pompeii Forum.