Colonial forum of Tarraco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ruins of the Roman colonial forum of Tarraco
Location	Tarragona, Spain
Part of	Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco
Criteria	Cultural: (ii), (iii)
Inscription	2000 (24th Session)
Area	0.6 ha (65,000 sq ft)

The colonial forum of Tarraco was an important public space in the ancient Roman city of Tarraco. Today, you can see its ruins in the modern city of Tarragona, Spain. This forum was like the main square or downtown area of the Roman city. It was a busy place where people met, did business, and discussed important matters.

What Was the Colonial Forum?

A forum was the heart of any Roman city. It was a large open area surrounded by important buildings. These buildings often included temples, government offices, and shops. The colonial forum of Tarraco was built when Tarraco became a Roman colony. This meant it was a new city founded by Romans.

Life in Roman Tarraco

Tarraco was a very important city in the Roman Empire. It was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior. This made it a major center for politics, trade, and culture. The colonial forum was where much of this activity happened. Citizens would gather there to hear speeches or to buy and sell goods.

Buildings Around the Forum

The forum was surrounded by several key structures. These included a basilica, which was a large public building used for law courts and business. There were also shops, called tabernae, where people could buy everyday items. Temples dedicated to Roman gods were also common around forums.

The Basilica

The basilica was a long building with rows of columns inside. It served as a meeting place for merchants and a court of law. Imagine it as a busy community hall where important decisions were made. It was a central part of Roman public life.

Shops and Markets

Around the forum, there were many small shops. These shops sold all sorts of goods, from food to clothing. The forum area was a bustling marketplace. People would come here to get their daily supplies and to socialize.

Temples and Religion

Roman society was very religious. Temples were built to honor different gods and goddesses. The forum often had one or more temples nearby. These were places for worship and religious ceremonies.

Why Was the Forum Important?

The colonial forum was more than just a marketplace. It was a symbol of Roman power and organization. It showed how the Romans planned their cities. It also helped to spread Roman culture and way of life.

A Center for Government

Important government buildings were located near the forum. This made it the center of local administration. Officials would meet here to manage the city. It was where laws were discussed and decisions were made.

Social Gathering Place

The forum was also a major social hub. People would meet friends, share news, and simply spend time there. It was a place where everyone, from rich citizens to ordinary people, could interact. It was like a modern-day town square or park.

Economic Hub

Trade was vital to Roman cities. The forum was the main place for economic activity. Merchants from different regions would come to sell their goods. This helped Tarraco to grow and become wealthy.

What Can We See Today?

Today, the colonial forum of Tarraco is an archaeological site. This means it's a place where archaeologists dig up and study ancient remains. You can visit the ruins and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.

Preserving History

The ruins of the forum are carefully preserved. They help us learn about the Roman Empire and its influence in Spain. It's like a giant history book written in stone. Protecting these sites is important for future generations.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, which includes the colonial forum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as having outstanding universal value. It's a special place that belongs to all of humanity.