Forum of Caesar

Why did Julius Caesar build the Forum of Caesar? We are standing before the ruins of what was once a magnificent testament to the power and ambition of one man: the Forum of Caesar. This forum, built in 46 BC, was more than just an expansion of the Roman Forum. It was a symbol of Caesar’s growing influence and a monument to his victories. Imagine the scene: a vast plaza stretching before you, surrounded by gleaming white marble, a temple dedicated to Venus Genetrix at one end. This temple was Caesar’s offering to the goddess, claimed ancestor of his clan, the gens Julia. It housed a gilded statue of Cleopatra, paintings of mythological heroes, and an impressive collection of engraved gems. Caesar even dared to erect a statue of himself on horseback in the plaza. This act, along with his insistence on having the Senate meet him at the temple, angered many. It was a sign of the power he was amassing, power that ultimately led to his assassination. Though much of the Forum of Caesar is in ruins today, it is still possible to feel the weight of history here. The surviving columns and platform of the Temple of Venus Genetrix, rebuilt by Emperor Trajan after a fire in 80 AD, stand as a reminder of the grandeur that once was. As we move on, let the story of the Forum of Caesar linger in your mind, a testament to the ambition, power, and ultimately, the fragility of even the greatest figures in history.