PLEASE NOTE: This lecture replaces the originally planned lecture by Dr. Paul Roberts, "The Glories of Ancient Rome"

Overlooked by the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the Roman Forum was the social, political, commercial, religious and legal heart of the city of Rome, and by default the entire Roman Empire.

Professional Rome tourist guide Stuart Harvey will lead you on a voyage of discovery through the ruins of the Forum to discover the fascinating stories behind the triumphal arches, temples, basilicas and other surviving structures, explaining how and why certain parts survived and others did not.

This lecture will introduce you to gods, goddesses and demi-gods of the Roman religion; the legal and commercial procedures of the ancient city, and of course the governmental structure as we visit the Curia, or Senate House.

We will also see the place of the cremation of Julius Caesar and discover how his death ultimately brought about the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of Empire.