Umbilicus urbis Romae, Archaeological site in Roman Forum, Italy.
The Umbilicus Urbis Romae consists of a cylindrical brick structure measuring 2 meters in height and 4.45 meters in diameter, located near the Arch of Septimius Severus.
The structure dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent reconstruction in 203 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus to accommodate changes in the Forum.
New citizens of Rome placed soil from their homeland into the circular pit beneath the structure to establish their connection with the city of Rome.
The monument served as the primary reference point for measuring distances throughout the Roman Empire, functioning as an ancient geographical coordinate system.
The structure opened three times annually during specific days called dies nefasti, when it was believed to function as a gateway between the world of the living and dead.
Location: Rome
GPS coordinates: 41.89272,12.48456
Latest update: May 13, 2025 00:27
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Temple of Saturn
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Arch of Septimius Severus
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Rostra
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Lapis Niger
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Milliarium Aureum
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Comitium
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Temple of Vespasian and Titus
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Temple of Concord
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Column of Phocas
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Santi Luca e Martina
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Lacus Curtius
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San Giuseppe dei Falegnami
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Ficus, Olea, Vitis
17 m
Vulcanal
7 m
Clivus Capitolinus
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Graecostasis
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Rostra Vetera
14 m
Rostra Augusti
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Plutei of Trajan
17 m
Rostral columns of Gaius Duilius
7 m
Decennalia
16 m
Altar of Saturn
4 m
Senaculum
16 m
Mamertine Prison
59 m
Aedicula Concordiae
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Santa Martina in Tribus Foris
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Portico Dii Consentes
67 mReviews
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