During the Republican era of Roman history, a forum was a center for citizens to participate in the political process. Since Augustus was the first emperor, his building of a forum redefined its role in Roman society. Under Augustus, the forum was used mainly for military purposes, such as ceremonious departures and returns from war. The forum also hosted ceremonies wherein young men were awarded togas to signify their coming of age for military purposes.

Experiencing the Forum

Temple of Mars Ultor

A reconstructed model of the Forum of Augustus. Image taken from the following site: http://www.pixgood.com/forum-of-augustus-temple.html

Sources:

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/imperialfora/augustus/forumaugustum.html

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/imperialfora/augustus/mars.html