The Roman Forum (00:00), also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum (Italian: Foro Romano), is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city of Rome. For centuries, the Forum was the centre of daytoday life in Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's leaders. The heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history.

The Circus Maximus (01:10) (Latin for "largest circus"; Italian: Circo Massimo) is where the ancient Roman held chariotracing game. In the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire. It measured 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators. In its fully developed form, it became the model for circuses throughout the Roman Empire.

Temple of Caesar(02:36) is inside of the Roman Forum, however, only parts of the cement core of the platform still exists. The same platform is treated as Julius Caesar’s grave, and is the only place in the Roman Forum where fresh flowers are placed every day. Indeed, it is a popular pilgrimage site.

Trajan's Market (04:07) (Latin: Mercatus Traiani; Italian: Mercati di Traiano) is located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the opposite end to the Colosseum. Thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the arcades in Trajan's Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multilevel structure and it is still possible to visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library.

Trajan's Column (04:19) (Italian: Colonna Traiana, Latin: Columna Traiani) commemorates Roman emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. It is located in Trajan's Forum, north of the Roman Forum. Completed in AD 113, the freestanding column is most famous for its spiral bas relief, which depicts the wars between the Romans and Dacians (101–102 and 105–106). Its design has inspired numerous victory columns, both ancient and modern. The structure is about 30 metres (98 feet) in height, 35 metres (115 feet) including its large pedestal. The 190metre (620foot) frieze winds around the shaft 23 times. Inside the shaft, a spiral staircase of 185 steps provides access to a viewing deck at the top. On December 4, 1587, the top was crowned with a bronze figure of Saint Peter the Apostle by Pope Sixtus V, which remains to this day.