This green space in front of the Arch on the right of frame is the Forum's main square. Everyone was here. While Rome's political elites did a lot of business in the Forum, the main square was filled with folks of every stripe. It may have been the seediest part of town. But it was also where the Rostrum was, with people from all walks of life exercising their freedom of speech to deliver persuasive speeches and attempt to influence public opinion.