A filmed story of the excavation of Julius Caesar’s Forum, also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum. The Forum Romanum, an unparalleled archaeological site, stood at the heart of Rome for centuries, orchestrating a grand symphony of triumphal processions, elections, speeches, criminal trials, and even gladiatorial combats during the Republic and Empire. This sprawling historic canvas was adorned with the oldest and most significant structures, witnessing the ebb and flow of extraordinary events across its extensive timeline.
Darius Arya, an authority from The American Institute for Roman Culture, emphasizes the city’s stratified nature, with each layer representing a distinct epoch. Rome’s growth, shaped by reconstructions, debris from fires, and frequent flooding, compelled its residents to elevate the city artificially over time.
The 16th century witnessed a transformative shift when the Forum, reduced to an uncultivated land known as “Campo Vaccino” or Cow field, underwent radical changes. The 19th century marked the commencement of extensive excavations, unveiling layers of history, while the 1930s Fascist urban renovations introduced the monumental Via dei Fori Imperiali, reshaping the landscape significantly.
In 1998, a pivotal year for archaeological exploration, excavations reached unprecedented depths, revealing four historical layers down to the Roman era. This comprehensive approach erased centuries of accumulated ruins, including some Imperial Forums, leaving archaeologists with a pristine canvas to scrutinize.
An innovative documentary
Marco Kuveiller’s innovative HD documentary, capturing two years of meticulous excavations, premiered at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. This visual chronicle, unique in Italy, underscores the city’s resilience and the relentless pursuit of uncovering its past.
Within Human Touch Media‘s archive lies a treasure trove of hours of unpublished footage, forming the cornerstone for an exclusive documentary on Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar’s Forum. This ambitious project aspires to present a visually enchanting exploration, peeling back the layers of history concealed beneath the Forum’s surface.
