The Forum was the very heart of life in a Roman city. It was the main meeting point where the political, administrative, economic and religious life of the city developed. The public debating area was organised around a large, open space that was surrounded by one or various galleries. The most important buildings were then located around this area, such as the Curia, which was dedicated to political and administrative ends, the Basilica, which dealt with judicial matters and the city`s main Temple. Alongside these were the taverns that were used for social activities, as well as other premises used for administrative purposes (archives, minting of coins, etc.).