If you close your eyes and imagine yourself in a square in the center of Ancient Rome, you can easily see that life here did not stop for a minute: the bustle and shouts of merchants, disputes between clients and bankers, divine services in temples, victorious commanders periodically passing through the forum.
There were a huge number of triumphal arches on the square. Their construction was timed to coincide with the victories of the Romans in the wars. The more significant the victory, the more impressive the arch was. As a rule, stone was used for their construction. Looking at the bas-reliefs, one could see the scenes of battles captured on them. An arch dating back to 315, the Arch of Constantine in honor of the victory over Maxentius, has survived to this day in excellent condition.
The presence of the temple of Vesta in the Roman forum is due to the worship of the Romans before this goddess, who was considered the patroness of the entire Roman people. In the temple, a fire was always supposed to burn - a symbol of the goddess, and the vestals supported it. If the fire was extinguished, the hapless vestal was at best expelled from the temple, and at worst, she was buried alive. The Vestals lived in a house near the temple. Their virginity was a prerequisite for serving the goddess. If the priestess was distinguished by special merits, a monument could be erected to her, some of them have survived to this day.
Another structure erected in honor of the god of slaves is the Temple of Saturn. Its construction dates back to the 5th century BC, although after that it was rebuilt many times. In December, Saturnalia was held near the temple - special festivities in honor of Saturn. Wealthy Romans and aristocrats for several days replaced expensive togas for clothes made of coarse fabric. Military action and courts were banned, and people gave each other a variety of gifts.
