The traditional date for the founding of Rome is 21 April 753 BC, following M. Terentius Varro, and the city and surrounding region of Latium has continued to be inhabited with little interruption since around that time. The Roman Forum, also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum (Italian: Foro Romano), is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome.

Next on the itinerary is a leisurely cruise through the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome’s political and social life. Revel in the panoramic views from Palatine Hill, where emperors once resided, and learn about the city’s foundation myths.

The highlights of the Roman Forum include a number of monuments, including the once-magnificent Temple of Saturn, which stood with four other important temples. Other existing or re-created ruins include the Temples of Castor and Pollux, Vesta, Venus and Roma, Antonius and Faustina, Caesar, Vespasian and Titus, and the Temple of Romulus. Several remnants of Basilicas can also be seen here, including Aemilia, Julia, and Maxentius and Constantine.