Forum

Forum, public meeting or meeting place used for open discussion of current topics of general interest. In modern usage a forum may be a radio or TV program in which such current matters are discussed by leading personalities and authorities. The forum was the principal public square or marketplace in any ancient Roman city, where citizens gathered to discuss important issues, and where judicial and other public business was transacted. The forum contained colonnades, shops, temples, and other important buildings. The city of Rome had several forums, the oldest and best known being the Roman Forum below the Capitoline Hill.