Roman Republic Question:

What was the forum and why was it so important?

Answer:

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The forum was the center of business and learning in every town in ancient Rome. It was an open space surrounded by shops and temples. Anyone could make a speech in the forum and express their opinion on just about anything as long as they did not break the law. Some people were ignored as they spoke, and Romans went about their shopping and business. But some drew huge crowds to hear what they had to say. The forum was important for many reasons. It gave people a place to gather, to shop, to worship, to hear the news, to hear the great orators of the time, and to gossip. The forum was a busy place.