Pompeii Forum

Explore the captivating Temple of Jupiter in Pompeii, situated on an elevated platform along the northern perimeter of the Forum. Erected in 150 BC, this temple holds historical significance for supplanting Apollo's worship with that of the Roman deity Jupiter. Adjacent to the temple, the Arch of Germanicus stands sentinel on the left, effectively framing and enclosing the Forum's expanse.

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Situated on the right flank of the Pompeii Forum, the Triumphal Arch holds its place as a captivating architectural feature thought to be a homage to Emperor Tiberius. This remarkable creation beckons visitors to witness its splendor, nestled in close proximity to structures meticulously crafted to venerate the imperial cult. Crafted as a dual-arched fornix of distinction, the arch was originally adorned with a veneer of opulent marble, reflecting the grandeur of its time.

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Situated on the western fringes of the Pompeii Forum, the Temple of Apollo stood as a tribute to a pantheon of deities, its construction ingeniously incorporating remnants of Etruscan origins. Delve into the annals of this temple's history, marked by adversity. In 62 AD, the temple endured significant devastation due to an earthquake, only to be resiliently resurrected shortly before the catastrophic obliteration of Pompeii in 79 AD.

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Within the Pompeii Forum, a remarkable structure emerged in the form of the Pompeii Basilica, touted as possibly the inaugural basilica of its nature within the Roman Empire. This architectural marvel, spanning an impressive 24 meters by 64 meters, held its primary role as a bustling marketplace. As time progressed, a transformation ensued, leading the basilica to transition into a paramount epicenter for civil and political proceedings, notably serving as a city court during the 1st century AD.

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Built after 62 AD, the Temple of Lares was dedicated to the sanctified Emperor Octavian Augustus. It was also used as a sanctuary for state Lares, the statues of ancient Roman Gods, patrons of families, and the city itself. The temple featured an open area with sacrificial altars in the center.

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The three small buildings located in the southern part of the Pompeii Forum are known as the Municipal Offices. They all share a similar layout and are believed to have been the meeting place of the administrative officials of the city. The buildings were constructed after the earthquake of 62 AD.

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Constructed in the 1st century BC, Macellum was the main food market of Pompeii and its neighboring villages. It was designed in a rectangular shape and measured 37 meters by 27 meters. You will get to see this open-air market that once featured several small shops, and a shrine dedicated to the Imperial family at one end.

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The open-air hall was located opposite the Basilica and served as a meeting point for the city’s magistrates. It also functioned as a polling station for the election of important officers for public offices.Stroll through this place where the two Duumvir, who controlled the town also made their decisions about the city.

Located on the eastern side of the Forum at Pompeii, the temple was originally dedicated to the Genius Octavian Augustus. It was in the later years that the dedication was finally transferred to Vespasian. You can see here a marble altar in the center with a man leading a bull to sacrifice.

Named after Eumachia, the rich and influential priestess, the building served as a market and a warehouse for fabrics. Eumachia donated all her money in the 1st century AD for the construction of the building. Be amazed with the beauty of this structure which was made of bricks that were layered with marble slabs to create the building’s skin.

Located on the northwest side of the Forum, the Granary, easily recognizable by its modern roof, was a warehouse. It was used for storing grains to overcome food shortages due to crop failure or natural disasters. Today, the Granary stores the various artifacts recovered during the archeological excavations across the city.

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This is the site of the government agency that adhered to the exact standard of the various units of measurement used in Roman Europe. All the traders in the city were required to pass the examination of the institution for trading. This safeguarded the citizens against any fraud done by the traders.