Located at the heart of the city of Rome, the Roman Forum is a a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings. At the height of the Empire glory, the site was the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches as well as the commercial hub. In later time, the site was the perfect spot for many artists and architects studying in Rome to sketch during the 17th through the 19th century. Nowadays, the Forum is a tourist attraction showcasing the ruins of some of the most important buildings ancient Rome had.