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The Roman Forum was the centre of political, commercial and jucidial life in ancient Rome. It is mostly characterized by its temples and arches erected to celebrate the military triumphs of the day. To the east of the Forum lies the Colosseum. On the western side of the Roman Forum lies the Temple of Saturn, eight columns near to the three columns of the Temple of Vespasian. Then there is the Rostra, which was used for public oratory, from where Mark Anthony is alleged to have given his "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech. The most noticeable Arch at this end of the Forum is the Arch of Septimius Severus. Further along near the north entrance lies the portico of the temple of Antonius and Faustina which has been incorporated in he church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. On the opposite side the House of the Vestal Virgins is situated. The virgins were priestesses who tended the sacred flame in the Temple of Vesta. If the virgins strayed from celibacy, they were buried alive. On the north eastern side of the Roman Forum lies the Basilica of Constantine. It is recognisable by its huge arches and ceilings which give an idea of the size and scale of the Forum's public buildings. On the south east side of the Forum stands the 19th century reconstruction of the Arch of Titus which celebrates the sacking of Jerusalem. Originally the area of the Forum was wet and covered in grass, as it was not suitable for building. A necropolis has been found, dating from the 10th century BCE, but otherwise the area doesn't seem to have been used. This changed in the 7th century with the construction of the Cloaca Maxima. This sewer system, which was enclosed and covered to drain the areawas based on a natural stream, was a sign that the settlements on the Palatine Hill was spreading into the valley. In imperial times the importance of the Forum as a political centre diminished, but it remained a centre of religious life and commerce. Building and restoration continued, but now mostly in the form of honorary monuments, such as the Arch of Augustus, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Septimius Severus. Other arches, such as the Arch of Tiberius, have disappeared completely. New religious buildings included the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the Temple of Vespasian and Titus. The Basilica of Maxentius from the 4th century is one of the last major additions to the Forum.
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