But of the social life of the city the Forum was the heart, and of any prudent or scientific use of capital the Forum knew hardly anything.

Courts for the administration of justicemagnificent halls, called basilicaehad by this time been erected on the north and south sides, and in these the ordinary trials took place; but for state trials the open Forum was itself the court.

More effectual than the forum are our states of mind, to bless mankind.

The forum of the city would have been the regular place, but since an earthquake had done much damage there, and some tumults had taken place among the citizens, the seat of judgment had by general consent been placed in the AEmilian household as the place of chief security, and as he was the accredited magistrate with their Gothic masters, as Sidonius had been before his banishment.

In the absence, therefore, of all facilities for private reading, the Forum became the great central point of attraction.