Rostra, Archaeological site in Roman Forum, Italy
The Rostra is a raised platform in the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. Steps lead up to the surface, whose facade was once decorated with bronze ship prows, while marble cornices highlight the edges.
A speaker's platform arose in the 6th century BC at another spot in the Forum. Caesar moved it to the current position in 44 BC, and Augustus gave the structure its final rectangular shape.
Speakers stood facing the crowd in the Forum, where citizens came to hear announcements and follow political debates. The spot marked the public point where decisions became official and where a speaker's voice had to carry above the noise of the city.
The western side still shows the remains of the staircase arrangement from Caesar's time. It is best to go early in the day to take in the spot quietly and enjoy the view of the surrounding structures in the Forum.
Six captured ship prows decorated the front after the Battle of Antium in 338 BC and gave the structure its name. The bronze pieces remained visible there until late antiquity and recalled Rome's victory at sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
