 The Lacus Curtius today | |
   Lacus Curtius Shown within Rome | |
| Location | Regio VIII Forum Romanum |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°53′33″N 12°29′06″E / 41.8923973°N 12.4850177°E |
| History | |
| Builder | Unknown builder |
| Founded | Archaic through Imperial periods |
The Lacus Curtius ("Lake Curtius") was a pit or pool in the ground in the Forum Romanum. The area where the Forum would later be built was originally likely a lake, as the area it was in is known to have been surrounded by brooks and marshes. One part of the area was never drained, but gradually became smaller until only a basin, known as the Lacus Curtius, was left.[1] Its nature and significance in Rome's early history is uncertain, and several conflicting stories exist about its history.
The name of the place is likely connected with the Curtia gens, a very old Roman Family with Sabine origins.[citation needed]