Tabularium

The Tabularium, located on the western side of the Roman Forum, is one of the most imposing buildings of ancient Rome. Built in 78 BC by the consul Quintus Lutatius Catulus, during the dictatorship of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the Tabularium was part of a vast reconstruction plan of the Capitoline Hill, damaged by a fire in 83 BC. This monumental building was intended to house the State archives of Rome, preserving official documents such as laws, decrees, and treaties on bronze tablets. The Tabularium represented a fundamental structure for Roman bureaucracy, serving as the ancient equivalent of a national archive. The use of travertine for its construction, combined with the innovative use of Roman concrete, contributed to its durability. The building was characterized by a gallery with large arches overlooking the Forum, offering a spectacular view of the entire area. This gallery is still visitable today, allowing visitors to appreciate the ingenuity of Roman architecture.One of the peculiarities of the Tabularium is its strategic position on the Capitoline Hill, directly below the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, and its integration with the temple of Veiove. This location emphasizes the importance of the building within the political and religious context of ancient Rome. The Tabularium was, in fact, part of a larger complex of administrative and religious buildings that defined the beating heart of Roman public life.During the Middle Ages, the ruins of the Tabularium were incorporated into a fortress and, subsequently, into the Senatorial Palace, seat of the municipal government of Rome. This reuse of spaces testifies to the continuity of the building’s importance through the centuries. The Senatorial Palace, visible today, stands above the ancient foundations of the Tabularium, creating an interesting dialogue between historical epochs.Despite the transformations it underwent, the Tabularium still retains many of its original features. The corridor on the first floor, covered by a barrel vault, offers a suggestive window into the past. The remains of inscriptions on the northeastern side of the building confirm the construction date and dedication by Catulus, providing valuable information to historians.Access to the Tabularium is possible through the Capitoline Museums, located at the top of the Capitoline Hill. This museum complex allows visitors to explore not only the remains of the Roman archive but also a vast collection of art and archaeological artifacts that narrate the millennia-old history of the city. A visit to the Tabularium offers a unique experience, combining the beauty of ancient architecture with the richness of Roman history.