Foro di Augusto

Commissioned by Augustus in 42 BC and completed 40 years later, the Forum of Augustus is largely buried beneath Via dei Fori Imperiali. Its main recognisable feature is a raised platform fronted by steps and flanked by three columns – the remnants of a temple to Mars Ultor (the Avenger). Behind this is a 30m-high wall that was built to protect the forum from the fires that frequently swept down from the nearby Suburra neighbourhood, ancient Rome's rough red-light district.