Puteal Scribonianum, Ancient wellhead in Roman Forum, Italy
The Puteal Scribonianum was a stone wellhead in the Roman Forum, surrounded by a masonry curb rising roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters). It was positioned between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Vesta.
The structure was restored at some point by a member of the Libo family, possibly a praetor from 204 BC or a tribune from 149 BC. Coins from the 1st century show how the finished structure appeared.
The location served as a central spot where people gathered to conduct business and settle disputes in the Forum. The name reflects the Scribonia family, who likely maintained or restored the structure.
The remains stand about waist-high for visitors and can be viewed from different angles as you move through the wider Roman Forum site. Visit during daylight hours when archaeological features are easier to see and understand in context.
The site was designated a bidental, meaning it had been struck by lightning and was considered sacred. Romans marked such places permanently and performed special religious ceremonies to appease the gods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Roman Forum
69 m
Roma
68 m
Temple of Caesar
50 m
Temple of Vesta
42 m
Lapis Niger
120 m
Temple of Castor and Pollux
12 m
Regia
63 m
Comitium
133 m
Santa Maria Antiqua
79 m
House of the Vestals
87 m
Column of Phocas
120 m
Temple of Divus Augustus
108 m
Ficus, Olea, Vitis
132 m
San Lorenzo in Miranda
106 m
Shrine of Venus Cloacina
93 m
Basilica Sempronia
85 m
Lacus Juturnae
21 m
Oratorio dei quaranta martiri
42 m
Plutei of Trajan
132 m
Forum Piscarium
130 m
Decennalia
135 m
Portico of Gaius and Lucius
107 m
Necropoli del tempio di Antonino Pio e Faustina
103 m
Horrea Agrippiana
111 m
Gruppo di edifici domizianei nel Foro Romano
68 m
Bibliothèque du Temple d'Auguste
101 m
Temple of Augustus and Livia
78 m
Antica chiesa di Santa Maria in Cannapara
127 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes