The First Food Markets in Ancient Rome

Long before that the Roman Forum began its activity, the Etruscans and the Romans used to meet and do business in a small area located between the Circus Maximus and the Tiber River. The reason of this choice was in the common worship of Hercules, who was not only popular for his famous 12 deeds but also because he was the patron of the olive trees. In the mythical accounts of Rome, Hercules killed the giant Cacus, who had previously stolen his cattle. After this event, the Romans built in his honor the Ara Maxima Herculis, that is located where today stands the basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin where the Mouth of Truth is. In addition, other temples were built in the early Rome to honor the harbor of Rome god, whose name was Tiberinus and new markets extended the areas between the Ara of Hercules and the Tiber with a new round temple dedicated to the Greek hero and two new markets dedicated to the purchase of cattle animals (Forum Boarium) and the vegetables (Forum Holitorium).