The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) was the political and economical centre of Rome during the Republic from the 7th century BC. During the imperial period it maintained this position but eventually it was reduced to a monumental area and was mostly abandoned at the end of the 4th century. The importance of the Forum area is indicated by the presence of many of the central political, religious and judicial buildings in Rome.
The Regia was the residence of the kings.
The Curia was the meeting place of the Senate; at the Rostra the public meetings were held.
Major temples and sanctuaries in the Forum include the Temple of Castor, the Temple of Saturn, and the Temple of Vesta.
Commercial and judicial activities took place in the basilicas, the two remaining are the Basilica Aemilia and the Basilica Julia.
Due to the political importance of the area there were also numerous honorary monuments.