Introduction
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill form the historic heart of ancient Rome, located between the Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Once the political, legal, religious and social center of the Roman Empire, the Forum lies in a valley below the Palatine Hill, which according to legend was the birthplace of Romulus and Remus and later became the site of imperial palaces. Together they are among Rome's most important archaeological sites, offering ruins of ancient temples, markets and palaces as well as panoramic views over the Forum and Circus Maximus.