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The Roman Forum


The Roman Forum
Photo Information
Copyright: Betty Jones (BWJ) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 174 W: 0 N: 262] (812)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-27
Categories: Ruins
Camera: Canon 40D, Tamron AF 18-250 1:3.5-6.3 IF MACRO
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-09-26 19:47
Viewed: 672
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 48
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Roman Forum

The view of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill is one of the most evocative places in Rome. The ruins stand in the center of the modern city as a visionary testament to the past greatness. The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome and here was reflected almost every event of importance in Rome’s development from the time of the kings through the middle ages. Many buildings survive from these times some with their columns still standing and others are only identified by their foundations. The huge paving stones of Rome’s most important ancient road remains visible as well as the well-preserved triumphal arches dedicated to Titus and Septimius.

The site of the Roman Forum was originally a marshy valley lying between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills. It was first paved as a market place (forum) in 626 BC. The original forum was a rectangle that measured approximately 115 meters by 57 meters.

Adjacent areas were included and divided the forum in three district areas – the political center, the religious center, and the commercial center. The area of the forum gradually lost its character as a market place and became a center of civic importance and the scene of public functions and ceremonies. In the second century BC, a new type of building, the basilica was introduced. The large covered space was used for judicial hearings and public meetings when they could not be held outside.

The population of city grew and the area of the forum soon became inadequate. In following centuries as the city declined, temples were neglected and robbed of most of their treasures. The few that remained were spoiled even more by invasions and further damaged by earthquakes. The forum was then used as a cow pasture.
In the Renaissance, the forum provided inspiration to artists. Many buildings from the 15th century to the 18th century took their plans from monuments here. At the end of the 18th century, systematic excavations began and continued through the 19th century especially after 1870.

The archaeologist Giacomo Boni conducted excavations from 1898-1925. His work was continued by Alfonso Bartoli. Since 1980, excavations (some still in progress) have been carried out at the west end of the forum at the foot of Capitoline Hill and on the northern slopes of Palatine.

Beasolea, ls7902, jmdias, belido, avene, gunbud, tedesse, mpb001, gracious, ilDottore, lucasgalodoido, Didi, jaywalker, Vasa, axiotea has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To avene: Hi Kristine,BWJ 1 09-28 10:48
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Betty,
Very good shot, good POV, very clear and sharp.
Was catching my eye.
TFS
Bea

Hello Betty,

I had just logged onto Trekearth when this classic image of the Roman Forum rolled in. The vantage point that you have chosen creates impeccable composition, and simultaneously displays ideal two-point perspective. The overcast sky, I believe, is specially good for avoiding stark contrasts in light and shaded areas, allowing the architectural details to show up so clearly. Finally, your note is highly informative, and genuinely well written. The entire package is in the best spirit of Trekearth. I plan to clear out some space among my favorites, so that I can import this superb shot.

Warm regards and have a good weekend.

Bulent

  • Great 
  • ls7902 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 917 W: 199 N: 1284] (5061)
  • [2008-09-26 20:46]

Hello Betty,
Beautiful & strong composition with the vertical columns & buildings occupying much of the space. Taken from a great vantage point showing much of the surrounding details. Fascinating mood & lighting. Regards. Latiff.

  • Great 
  • aadilj Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2105 W: 62 N: 1787] (12474)
  • [2008-09-26 22:47]

Magnificent ruins captured superbly and with such a lovely pov. i love the way you have seen and compsoed this shot Betty its amazing

Salam Betty,

A magnificent shot with good POV n interesting details..very well seen n captured..thank you
Best regards, Atousa

  • Great 
  • jmdias Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1956 W: 182 N: 2714] (10627)
  • [2008-09-27 8:24]

betty

very informative photo. I liked the monuments well placed in the image. It is sad weather wasn't perfect but you got a nice view anyway. I guess this would be interesting in a B&W version too.

hugs

jorge

  • Great 
  • avene Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1507 W: 82 N: 1923] (7254)
  • [2008-09-27 21:22]
  • [+]

hello Betty,
I agree with the others that the vantage point is well chosen, I like a lot that the modern city is visible in the background, I find it emphasises how lively the place is. I'd try enhancing the texture of the sky, the dramatic clouds fit well the tumulous history of Rome. other than that minor point - very ncie work.

best,
Kristine

  • Great 
  • belido Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3470 W: 127 N: 3045] (10945)
  • [2008-09-28 3:06]

Hi Betty,

very beautiful site. You've chosen a nice point for shooting. The fact the sky is cloudy is a great bonus since there is no strong highlight/shadow contrast to hide the details. Such a pleasant seen, great job!
Regards,
Carlos

  • Great 
  • gunbud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4771 W: 4 N: 4760] (20986)
  • [2008-09-28 20:07]

Hi Betty,
Marvelous capture of these Iconic ruins of Rome.
The old marble pillars have stood up well the ravishes of time.
Wonderful sharp details and a most informative note to go along with the fine image.
Regards, Tom

Ciao Betty,
nice shot,one very beautiful seen of a place that I love very much, when I have time there I go to plunge in the ancient atmosphere which breathes himself. photo very well realized from a fantastic POV and with some beautiful colours .
Giorgio

Hello!
Beautiful view,magnificent ruins,good POV and interesting details,wonderful light,colours and good sharpness.
Greetings
Tadeusz

  • Great 
  • mpb001 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 696 W: 122 N: 361] (4502)
  • [2008-10-01 16:51]

Hi Betty,
Great shot full of wonderful details. I like how you composed the shot leading the viewer into the scene. I also like the people within the scene to give the shot perspective.
Mike

Olá Betty,

Beautiful panoramic of this historical place of Rome
Good work to capture this image. Very good colour, contrast and definition.
Beautiful postcard of Roma.
Regards,
Filipe

Hi Betty,

And welcome among my TE friends.
Also, welcome among the makers of excellent architectural shots.. The Foro Romano picture above is among the best I have seen so far. The grey of the clouds matches so well the color of the old columns.
Many thanks for your kind comments. Warm regards - Izzet

Hello Betty,
This is a very well image captured of the ruins with it's nice colour and lighting over it!
the pov is great with good focal point with great details
well done
cheers
Tony

Hi Betty,
What a classical shot!
Fantastic POV, beautiful colours, spotless composition.
Superb sharpness.
And excellent note in addition...
TFS and Warm Greetings from Dublin
Chris

Ola Betty ,
Belo ponto de visão sobre estas ruínas romanas os detalhes ficaram magníficos as pessoas dão uma noção de escala , as técnicas de construção dos romanos deviam ser incríveis , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Hi Betty,
goog photo of Roman empire ruins, with good colors and quality, despite the broken clouds. Great job.
Lucas

Hi Betty,
Nic epov that makes the ancient columns look very high and impressive compared to the more modern buildings and the people ants, good image quality.
Have a nice day JY

  • Great 
  • Didi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6682 W: 3535 N: 8481] (31104)
  • [2008-10-30 19:05]

Hi Betty
Very nice lights balance between sky and the old architecture.
I don't see any distortions that's good.
But it's a little bit oversharpened.
Cheers.

This photograph is a classic the way you have captured this is
beautiful the sharpness and the colour with the dark clouds makes this photo stand out as somthing special well done
Regards malcolm

Hi Betty, Rome is a stunning city & full of wonderful ancient architecture, this photo is a brilliant example of that, the sharp quality is out-standing & there is magnificent detail, beautifully composed with all the columns in the foreground & the lack of colour fits perfectly, the central arch & the domed building in the background finish the picture excellently, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

  • Great 
  • Vasa Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 732 W: 0 N: 1957] (6708)
  • [2008-11-08 10:58]

Hi Betty, friend,

I have opportunity to greet this very nice picture of Rome, that I saw before in your gallery. The combination of colors is just for my soul. The point of view is optimal, but could be a little down, because nothing happen on the sky. Very nice picture like oil on canvas big dimensions. Many thanks for charing this image.
Friendly your

Branko

Hello Betty
The high pov allowed to see nicely the Roman forum with its huge columns and the people down below gave a sense of scale to the monuments! A good depth and natural colors are well rendered!
Cheers
Marilyn

Hi Betty,

This is one of the best shots I have seen of this beautiful place, well taken showing the greatness of the Romans architecture. I really like the shot and congratulations.

Regards,

Fara

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