17 Oct

How is history made active?

The Roman Forum began its construction in 7^th century B.C. and after years of construction, reconstruction, and rearrangements of the ancient buildings, many of them were dismantled in 8^th century A.C. and left as debris. It seemed that the grand buildings that once existed were in their final destructive state, but all that changed in the early 1800s. Excavation of the Roman Forum began in 1803 and was eventually fully excavated in the early 20^th century becoming one of the most famous attractions of Rome. For years after excavation began the only way to get from the northern to the southern side of the Forum, where the Colosseum is located, was to drive directly through the Forum. Although this greatly activated the site, it was bound to be much too destructive in the long run.

In 1931, Via dei Fori Imperiali was constructed creating a very strong transportation connection between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. This was a drastic move that was very productive for transportation and connection purposes, but was also rather destructive in the way the road not only created a barrier between the Roman Forum and the other Imperial Fora but also covered ground that is certain to contain many more historical ruins. Despite all the productive and destructive aspects of Via dei Fori Imperiali, the street is now one of the most frequently used transportation pathways as well as being a very active tourist section of Rome. Not only does the street direct tourists from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, but also directs them along the sides of the Roman and Imperial Forums providing balconies for viewing of the ancient ruins from above. It is difficult to say how long Via dei Fori Imperiali will remain with the ancient possibilities that lay beneath it, but as long as it remains it will continue to activate circulation around and between some of the most important sites of Rome.