Rostri (Rostra Platform), Rome

The Rostra was a significant platform in ancient Rome that existed during both the republican and imperial eras. The term "Rostra" is derived from the six rostra, or warship rams, which were captured in 338 BC after the Roman victory in the Battle of Antium during the Latin War. These rostra were mounted on the side of the platform, hence the name. Originally, the Rostra referred to a singular structure situated within the Comitium area near the Roman Forum, often associated with the Senate Curia. Over time, additional platforms were built for similar purposes and were also called Rostra, along with the name of their builder or the person they commemorated. During the imperial age, the original Rostra came to be known as Rostra Vetera or the "Elder Rostra."

The Rostra held great significance as it served as a platform from which magistrates, politicians, advocates, and other orators addressed the assembled people of Rome. This elevated spot was highly esteemed and provided a prominent location for delivering speeches and engaging with the public. The Rostra was consecrated as a templum, or a sacred space, by the Augurs, a priestly college responsible for interpreting signs and omens.

The original Rostra was constructed as early as the 6th century BC, and although it underwent replacement and enlargement several times, it remained in the same location for centuries. However, in November 2008, heavy rain caused damage to the concrete covering that had been protecting the Vulcanal and its monuments in the Imperial comitium space since the 1950s. Among these monuments is the stele known as "The Black Rock" or Lapis Niger. The covering consists of a mixture of the original black marble, which was believed to have been used by Sulla to cover the site, and modern cement, which was applied to preserve the marble in place.

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Sight Name: Rostri (Rostra Platform)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles

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