Imperial Forums Rome
As the infant city of Rome grew, the Roman Forum soon became crowded and an expansion was necessary. Julius Caesar ordered the construction of what eventually became known as the Fori Imperiali - or the Imperial Forums. Unlike the Roman Forum which was a symbol of democracy and participation, the Imperial Forums were built as a demonstration of the authority and power of the Caesars.

The work began with the construction of a new senate, followed by a series of basilicas and temples - work that was continued after his assassination by his nephew and successor Augustus, and later by the Flavian emperors - Vespasian, Nerva and finally Trajan. It was Mussolini who ordered that the area be cleared and excavations begun to unearth the ruins of the Imperial Forums. Today you can enter some of the temples, although for the most part there is little to see beyond the excavation.