Forum

The Forum was the main marketplace and business center where the Romans did their banking, trading, shopping, and public speaking.  The Romans loved to give public speeches (much like the Greeks).  These people were called orators and their job was to argue persuasively.  This means they wanted to persuade others to believe them or their opinion.  People walking through the Forum would stop and listen to people giving speeches while they shopped.  The Forum was also used for festivals and religious ceremonies.  It was a very busy place.