The Forum

In this blog I will be talking about the Forum and the impact this had on Pompeii's economy. The rectangular Forum was located in the West of the city and acted as the economic, administrative and religious centre of the city. As I stated in my last blog the Via Della Abbondanza led to the Forum which allowed the swift movement of  goods to  and from the Forum.
From a religious perspective the main temples of the city were located here, for instance the Temple of Jupiter and the Building of Eumanchia. During the times of religious festivals the Forum would be even more packed than usual, which consequently led to increased trade activity
The Municipal Offices of the city were also located in the Forum. The running of the town ultimately rested with the duoviri, the two chief magistrates of the city, however in issues that concerned the day to day running of the town, the three aediles were responsible. Finally the comitium, the elction building was located beside the Aediles office's and the office of the duoviri.
Despite the obvious functions of the Forum as both a administrative and a religious centre, it was primarily a trading area. The basilica was often the focus for these activities as it acted as both a building in which to resolve trade disputes but also to conduct trade in. The Macellum was also the other focal point for trade in the town as citizens would come to the area for its market. The harmony with which the Basilica and Macellum worked together with regards to their proximity boosted trade exponentially too.