The forums the emperors built

The Imperial Forums are a series of monumental squares built between 46 BC and the 2nd century AD by the great figures of Roman history — from Julius Caesar to the emperors Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan — to expand and enrich the city's political and religious heart, by then far too crowded in the old Roman Forum. Each forum was an act of propaganda and prestige: a way to tie one's name to the grandeur of Rome.

Today the Imperial Forums stretch along the famous Via dei Fori Imperiali, the avenue linking Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. Much of it is visible for free from the street and the walkways, in one of the most striking archaeological panoramas in the world.

The five Imperial Forums

  • Forum of Caesar — the first, built by Julius Caesar, with the Temple of Venus Genetrix.
  • Forum of Augustus — with the Temple of Mars Ultor, raised after the victory at Philippi.
  • Forum of Nerva (or Transitorium) — narrow and elongated, with the famous "Colonnacce" (the big columns).
  • Forum of Vespasian — the Temple of Peace, tied to the conquest of Jerusalem.
  • Forum of Trajan — the largest and most majestic, with Trajan's Column and Trajan's Markets.

We cover the Forum of Trajan and Trajan's Markets in a dedicated guide: Forum of Trajan and Trajan's Markets.

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Imperial Forums or Roman Forum?

Many people confuse the Imperial Forums with the Roman Forum: these are different areas, close together but distinct. The Roman Forum is the original, Republican forum; the Imperial Forums are the later additions built by the emperors. We clear up the difference in the guide Roman Forum or Imperial Forums.

What you can see for free and what you can't

Most of the Imperial Forums is visible for free from Via dei Fori Imperiali and the panoramic walkways. Some areas (such as Trajan's Markets / the Museum of the Imperial Forums) and the evening multimedia shows require a ticket. You'll find the details in the guide Imperial Forums tickets and opening hours.

How much time you need

A panoramic stroll along the Forums takes just 30-45 minutes; add the Museum of the Imperial Forums or an evening show and you can comfortably fill half a day or an evening. It pairs naturally with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Imperial Forums? They are the monumental squares built by the emperors (and by Julius Caesar) beside the Roman Forum, between 46 BC and the 2nd century AD: the Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, Vespasian and Trajan.

What's the difference from the Roman Forum? The Roman Forum is the original forum, from the Republican era; the Imperial Forums are the later additions built by the emperors to expand the center of Rome. They are close together but distinct areas.

Can you see them for free? Yes, most of the Imperial Forums is visible for free from Via dei Fori Imperiali. Some areas and the evening shows require a ticket.

How many Imperial Forums are there? Five: the Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva (or Transitorium), Vespasian (Temple of Peace) and Trajan, the largest.

How much time do you need to visit them? About 30-45 minutes for the panoramic stroll; more with the Museum of the Imperial Forums or an evening show.

See also

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Article #357 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026