Via dei Fori Imperiali

The Via dei Fori Imperiali is a road in the centre of the city of Rome that runs in a straight line from the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum, which is itself situated in the Piazza Colosseo.

The road, whose original name was "Via Triumphale", was built during the reign of Benito Mussolini. Its course takes it over parts of the Forum of Trajan, Forum of Augustus and Forum of Nerva, parts of which can be seen on both sides of the road. There has in recent years been a great deal of archeological excavation on both sides of the road, and it is clear that significant Imperial Roman items remain to be found under it.

Although this road, by its presence, prevents the unearthing of a significant area of Imperial Rome, it must also be said that prior to its building vehicular traffic was allowed to drive through part of the Roman Forum, with the potential of causing incalculable and irremediable damage to the surviving buildings. Archeological excavation continues to date on either side of this road.