The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of ancient Rome. After Julius Caesar’s death and the end of the following Civil Wars, Augustus would finish the work of his great uncle and give the Forum its final form. The Roman Forum was the main district made up of basilicas, public squares, and temples that were the center of the Roman Empire’s political, commercial, and social activities. At the beginning the Roman Forum was a marketplace but evolved into ancient Rome’s main square for elections, public speeches, gladiator matches, criminal trials, and triumphal processions. Most of the structures built were constructed during Julius Caesar’s reign and his successor, Augustus.