Ricerc@Sapienza

The close link that exists between the Forma Urbis and theTemplum Pacis is a fact that has led many scholars to a privileged, but sometimes exclusive assessment of this element within the decorative apparatus of the monumental building. However, this approach risks to alter the interpretation of the ancient cartographic document, whose original meaning and function could be quite di?erent. At the same time, this reading could also alter the understanding of the monumental complex.So, historical, architectural, functional, topographical characters and speci?cities of theTemplum Pacis should be viewed in their own framework, in order to reach a correct interpretation of a complex, undoubtedly original and well distinguished from the other imperial fora. In this respect, also the meaning and the function of theForma Urbis should be analysed within the relevant context.Trough the analysis of the ancient sources and archaeological discoveries, this paper intends to de?ne the whole historical, ar-chitectural and cultural context in which it is possible to appraise the correct sense and function of theForma Urbis, as a worthy component of the amazing harvest of ornamenta and mirabilia that were on display in the Templum Pacis. As in the case of the Hellenistic mouseia this monument played a de?nite role in the life style of the imperial city as a place of scholarship, learning, practice and transmission of knowledge.