Many words that came to us from ancient times are used now, but in a slightly different meaning. It can be very interesting to trace how their meaning has changed over time.
Consider, for example, the origin and meaning of one interesting word. So, we will answer the questions: “What is a forum in Ancient Rome? What did this name mean before and what is the meaning of today? ” To begin with, we turn to a very interesting science, which deals with the origin of certain words.
Where did the word "forum" come from
Any name in this world has its source. A special section in linguistics that appeared in the 17th century, etymology, studies the emergence of words and the historical changes that occur with them over time. Therefore, if you need to find out what the word "forum" in ancient Rome means and what is the meaning of the name now, you must first find out how it appeared.
An interesting fact is that the ancient Romans themselves did not know the exact origin of the word. They believed that it goes back to the verb ferre ("carry") and its meaning is to take out goods and disputes in a certain place. Also, the word "forum" is associated with the related word forus, which means "closed place". Scientists suggest that for the ancient Romans this name denoted a fenced area that was outside the city walls, similar to markets that existed next to medieval Italian cities.
Gradually, with the appearance on the forum of national assemblies and the Senate, the meaning of the word changed. It began to designate a venue for discussions.
The meaning of the word "forum" in ancient Rome and the history of its appearance
Like every nation, in one of the oldest capitals on Earth, in Rome, there was a special area that was used as a market. She was also considered the center of public and business life of the city.
To better understand what a forum is in ancient Rome, you need to know the history of its appearance. This issue has been well studied.
The future main square of Rome was located in a valley between six hills and originally was a swampy unsightly area. The first settlements therefore appeared on the hills, and the valley was used as a necropolis. This continued until the foundation of Rome in 754 BC. e.
During the reign of Tarquinius the Ancient, the fifth king of Rome, work was carried out to drain the valley (they built a sewer system, which was called the Great Cesspool), and then this territory was taken under the Roman forum. Residents of the hills began to use the drained valley as a place for meetings and business negotiations.
Then the first roads leading to the square appeared. Gradually, it was filled with temples (the oldest of them is the sanctuary of Venus Kloakina), basilicas, monuments, porticoes, arches and columns.
When Rome became a republic, important government offices were built on the square - the Court and the heart of the ancient city - the Senate.
The forum, turning into a center of political, judicial and religious events, continued to fulfill the role of the market.
So what is a forum in ancient Rome? This is a square in the center of the city, which originally played the role of a market. A little later there appeared comitia (the platform on which public meetings were held) and curia (the building where the Senate met).
Rise and fall times
During the reign of Emperor Augustus, the central square of Rome reached enormous proportions. During this period, it was of great importance for the political and social life of the ancient city.
After the disappearance of the great empire, the forum gradually became desolate. The last construction here took place in the IV century BC. e. The Romans used the area as a huge quarry for building material. In the Middle Ages, the territory of the forum completely became a pasture.
Only in the 19th century did archaeologists begin excavations at the site of the ancient square.
What is the Roman forum now
Today this territory is a gigantic museum. This museum is located in front of the Coliseum, another famous monument. Therefore, when visiting the great Roman amphitheater, tourists have the opportunity to see the ruins of the ancient forum.
Conclusion
Considering what a forum is in ancient Rome, it would be interesting to know if it has something in common with modern forums. Nowadays, this word refers to a mass meeting (for example, a congress), as well as a place on the Internet where people communicate on certain topics. If we take as a basis the later meaning of this term - a place for discussing important issues (for example, the Senate was engaged in this), then modern forums are really a bit like their ancient ancestor in functions related to thematic communication.
So what is a forum in ancient Rome? This place, which had important socio-political and economic significance in the era of the Great Roman Empire. Here important trade deals were made, court decisions were made, the Senate sat and solemn religious events were held. We can say that the main square of Rome was the heart of the city and the empire.