At one time, when the population of the city was about three millions the number of free citizens was only three hundred thousand.

The rest were laborers, artisans, and slaves, who had no voice in public affairs.

The free citizens held very frequent public assemblies.

There were various squares and open spaces in the city where such assemblies were convened, and where courts of justice were held.
The Roman name for such a square was _forum_.

There was one which was distinguished above all the rest, and was called emphatically The Forum.
It was a magnificent square, surrounded by splendid edifices, and ornamented by sculptures and statues without number.