039 Italy - Rome - Roman Forum Foro Romano (begun 8th century BC) Roman Forum View West from Palatine Hill Statues and monuments commemorated the city's great men. The teeming heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history. the Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archaeological excavations attracting 4.5 million sightseers yearly. Temple of Castor and Pollux (495 BC) with three remaining columns. Arch of Septimius Severus (203 AD) in center. Roman Senate House (44 BC) on right with single window. Altar of the Fatherland (modern) of white marble on hill in background.