9. The forum and public space in the Roman city

9. El fòrum i l’espai públic de la ciutat romana

The Temple of Augustus presided over the forum, an arcaded square at the intersection of the main streets. It was here that the administrative buildings were sited and where political, religious, economic and social activities took place. The temple and the forum were the urban expression of the state to which the colony belonged.

The well-off made the most of public space as a stage for their political endeavours. They had statues placed on pedestals describing their careers and also made sure to leave a record on large public facilities about who had paid for them.