1. By Karissa Barrera

2. Completed in 203 A.D. in commemoration of the 10 th anniversary of the accession of Emperor Septimius Severus Engravings depict the Emperor’s victories over the Parthians The arch is notorious for it’s association with a story of fatricide After Emperor Severus’s death his sons became joint rulers. One of the sons, Carcalla, hated the other, Geta, and arranged to have him killed. After his assasination, Carcalla removed the references to Geta on the arch.

3. The remaining three Corinthian columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux stand over 48 feet high at the top of the stairs at Capitol Hill They were built 6 A.D. As the legend goes, the mythical twins aided Rome in the battle of Lake Regillus against the Latins and later showed up at the Roman Forum at sunset to announce victory

4. 8 Corinthian columns remain since its construction in 42 B.C. Located at the base of the Capitol Hill at the west end of the Forum Inhabitants would stockpile their valuables (oil, grain, wool, precious metals) as an offering to Saturn, and ask him to guard the remainder of their treasures The cult statue of the god would have been wooden, filled with oil, and wrapped in wool

5. Site of an ancient shrine in an underground enclosure It is enclosed as if to keep pedestrians from trespassing The inscription on the column curses trespassers It is the oldest known inscription of the Latin language It was thought to be the tomb of King Romulus, founder of Rome

6. Construction initiated by Maxentius, and completed by Emperor Constantine Three large vaults remain from the original building It was the center of Roman justice and civic affairs It was probably the largest building in the Roman Forum Christian architecture would later use its design as a model