Foro di Nerva (Forum of Nerva), Rome

Roman Emperor Nerva, who reigned from 96 to 98 AD, is best known for initiating the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, a period of relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. He came to power after the assassination of Emperor Domitian and was recognized for his efforts to restore stability to the empire following Domitian's autocratic rule.

Nerva is also famous for adopting Trajan, who later became his successor, thus securing the empire's future leadership and setting a precedent for the adoption of capable heirs rather than relying on biological descent. Nerva was the first of the so-called "Five Good Emperors", followed by Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, who ruled successively from 96 to 180 AD. His brief reign is often seen as a time of reform, focusing on social welfare, land distribution to the poor, and easing the harshness of previous administrations.

The construction of what's known as the Forum of Nerva was initiated by his predecessor, Emperor Domitian, before the year 85 AD. But it was officially completed and inaugurated 12 years later by Nerva, hence its name. This forum was the fourth and smallest of the imperial forums. It replaced the former Argiletum street, which had served as a market area, mainly for booksellers and cobblers. The new forum continued to function as both a thoroughfare and a grand entrance to the larger Roman Forum.

After the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area fell into disuse and became marshland. In the 9th century, several houses were constructed on the site, using materials salvaged from the ruins. The onsite Temple of Minerva remained relatively intact until Pope Paul V ordered its demolition in 1606.

Today, only a portion of the columns known as Le Colonnacce survive along the side of the Minerva Temple. These Corinthian columns are situated just less than two meters away from the temple's wall. While the Forum of Nerva does not have the same scale or visibility as the Roman Forum or the Forum of Caesar, it is still a fascinating site for those exploring ancient Roman history.