Column, Forum, Rome

A lone column from the main loggia across from the Basilica Julia, essentially the law courts of ancient Rome. These are where some of our modern ideas of public trials came from - attorneys would orate to the audience of the general public who happened to be sitting on the steps of the court. Outcomes would be decided by acclaim- whoever had the argument that swayed the most people, won. Attorneys were not above bribing the audience to applaud and cheer for their argument. So we have made at least one improvement in the jury selection process since then.