A Building of Mystery

This week, I've chosen to share about my favorite building in Rome. It was there when my book's action took place and I even wrote a scene within it. That building is the Tabularium.

I like to think of the Tabularium as a "mystery building". Traditionally,  scholars believed it was built to house public records, as well as provide office space for magistrates. However, studies in the past several decades has caused some historians to disagree on its use. But what is amazing is; it's still standing on the western end of the Forum Romanum, and one can even go inside. Its exterior appearance screams "Roman". Graceful arches give powerful evidence of its excellent design. To me, it's amazing! This place is older than Christianity! The ruthless dictator, Lucius Cornelius Sulla ordered it built in the 70's B.C., but it was completed by Quintus Lutatius Catulus, a former Consul.

Another incredible fact about the Tabularium is regardless of its original purpose, it's been in use since it was first built. Even today, it houses collections from the Capitoline Museum. If you visit there, it's in the downstairs portion of the museum. Just past an extraordinary  funerary stelae exhibit, turn right, and you'll begin ascending stairs which will take you into the Tabularium. From its lofty terrace is one of the finest views of the Forum Romanum--have your camera READY!

While the purpose of the Tabularium is still in question, it must have held great importance, both politically and spiritually, to the Roman people, as its location was at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, beneath the Temples of Jupiter and Juno. In Antonius: Son of Rome, I've chosen to present it in the context of a public records building. In fact, an important scene in my story takes place there, between Marcus and Fadia. 

When visiting the Forum Romanum, I always stand amazed at the bold tenacity, engineering, and sophistication of ancient builders. Romans KNEW how to construct stunning buildings and make them last--even through millennia.  

A majestic arched corridor within Rome's historic Tabularium, located on the western end of the Forum Romanum.

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