The Forma Urbis Romae
The Forma Urbis Romae, also known as the Severan Marble Plan, is a monumental map of ancient Rome. Created under the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus between 203 and 211 CE, it stands as a testament to the administrative and architectural sophistication of the Roman Empire. Some scholars have suggested more precise dates of 205–208 CE, noting that the map’s creation relied on property records.
READ MORE: Major Accomplishments of Septimius Severus, the first African to become emperor of Rome
Description and Dimensions of the Forma Urbis Romae
The Forma Urbis was an awe-inspiring piece of cartography. Originally measuring 18 meters (60 feet) wide by 13 meters (45 feet) high, it was carved on 150 slabs of Proconnesian marble. This massive map was mounted on the interior wall of the Temple of Peace in Rome. Its monumental size and detail reflect its significance as a record of Rome’s urban landscape. The scale, estimated at around 1:240 by most scholars (Cadario proposes 1:260–1:270), was meticulously designed to capture the floor plans of temples, baths, and residential structures known as insulae.
Interestingly, the map’s boundaries were determined by the physical dimensions of the marble slabs rather than geographical or political lines. Unlike modern maps, which prioritize precision and orientation, the Forma Urbis was oriented with south at the top. It detailed public buildings, streets, and private homes, often using symbols to depict columns and staircases.
Reconstructed section of the Forma Urbis Romae.
Gradual Destruction and Rediscovery
The survival of the Forma Urbis has been an uphill battle against time. During the Middle Ages, much of its marble was repurposed for construction or burned to produce lime. By the time modern scholars became interested, only 10% of the original surface area—approximately 1,000 fragments—had been recovered.
One of the earliest rediscoveries occurred in 1562 when the antiquarian sculptor Giovanni Antonio Dosio, under the direction of Torquato Conti, excavated several fragments near the Church of SS. Cosma e Damiano. Conti gifted these fragments to Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who, in turn, entrusted them to the care of scholars Onofrio Panvinio and Fulvio Orsini. Despite this early rediscovery, these fragments failed to garner significant scholarly attention at the time.
Among the recovered pieces was a section depicting the Forum of Augustus, leading some scholars to speculate that the Forma Urbis may have been inspired by an even earlier map of Rome.
Scholarly Efforts and Reconstruction Projects
The task of piecing together the Forma Urbis has captivated scholars for centuries. During the Renaissance, approximately 250 fragments were matched and identified. Renowned landmarks like the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus helped guide early reconstructions.
In the 20th century, efforts by scholars such as Guglielmo Gatti, Lucos Cozza, and Emilio Rodríguez Almeida advanced the identification and interpretation of many fragments. More recently, researchers like Claudia Cecamore, Filippo Coarelli, and Daniele Manacorda have offered re-interpretations of the topography depicted on the fragments.
Modern technology has also played a role. In 2002, a research project at Stanford University employed pattern recognition algorithms to position four fragments and reassemble nine others. Since 1996, Pier Luigi Tucci of Johns Hopkins University has successfully placed twenty-four fragments in various regions of Augustan Rome. His work has illuminated areas such as the Aquaeductum on the Caelian Hill and the Circus Flaminius, even uncovering new details like a depiction of Aeneas’ ship.
In 2014, a new fragment bearing the words “Circus Flaminius” was discovered at the Palazzo Maffei Marescotti, further enriching our understanding of the ancient map.
Busts of Septimius Severus at the Glyptothek museum in Munich, Germany
Exhibition and Modern Appreciation
In 2024, the Forma Urbis was unveiled under a glass floor at the Museum of the Forma Urbis near the Colosseum. This display is part of a broader initiative by the Archaeological Park of the Celio to revitalize the areas surrounding the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. The museum offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of Rome’s urban planning and appreciate the skill that went into creating the Forma Urbis.
Significance of the Forma Urbis Romae
The Forma Urbis Romae is more than a map—it is a window into the ancient world. Its detailed depictions of Rome’s architectural and urban fabric provide invaluable insights into the city’s organization and daily life during the Severan era. The map serves multiple purposes:
- Administrative Tool: The map likely assisted with urban management, tax collection, and property disputes.
- Historical Record: By preserving floor plans and building layouts, it provides a glimpse of structures that have since been lost or altered.
- Artistic Achievement: The level of craftsmanship required to produce such a detailed and massive map demonstrates the advanced techniques of Roman artisans.
Moreover, the Forma Urbis exemplifies how ancient civilizations recorded and conceptualized space, contrasting with modern cartographic practices that emphasize precision and uniformity.
Challenges in Reconstruction
Despite advances in technology and scholarship, reconstructing the Forma Urbis remains a daunting task. The fragments are often small and lack context, making it difficult to determine their original location or function. Furthermore, gaps in the archaeological record complicate efforts to recreate the map in its entirety.
The use of advanced algorithms, coupled with insights from ancient texts and modern archaeology, has enabled significant progress. However, the map’s incomplete nature serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in studying ancient artifacts.
Legacy and Influence
The Forma Urbis has inspired generations of scholars, archaeologists, and historians. Its influence extends beyond academia, shaping modern perceptions of Roman urbanism and architecture. By offering a detailed view of Rome’s cityscape, it has deepened our understanding of Roman engineering, public spaces, and residential life.
The Forma Urbis not only provides a detailed snapshot of ancient Rome but also reflects the ingenuity and ambition of the civilization that created it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the dimensions and scale of the map?
It measured 18 m (60 ft) wide by 13 m (45 ft) high and was carved on 150 marble slabs. The map’s scale was approximately 1:240, showing detailed floor plans of temples, baths, and insulae.
Where was the map located?
The map was mounted on an interior wall of the Temple of Peace in Rome.
Ruins of the Temple of Peace.
What features were depicted on the map?
The map included public buildings, streets, private homes, and structural details like columns and staircases, with south oriented at the top.
What happened to the map over time?
The map was destroyed during the Middle Ages, with pieces repurposed for construction or lime production. Today, about 10% of the map survives in over 1,000 fragments.
Who first rediscovered fragments of the map?
In 1562, fragments were excavated near the Church of SS. Cosma e Damiano by Giovanni Antonio Dosio under Torquato Conti’s direction.
What recent developments have occurred with the Forma Urbis?
A new fragment completing “Circus Flaminius” was uncovered in 2014. In 2024, the map was displayed under a glass floor at the Museum of the Forma Urbis near the Colosseum.
