Since its uncovering at the beginning of the 19th century, the so-called comitium at the southeast corner of the forum of Pompeii has mostly been referred to as a political building, which is said to have originated around 80 BCE. However, geophysical investigations in 2015, excavations in 2017–2019, and further documentation in 2022 paint a different picture—that the comitium was built in the Augustan period and may have served as a multifunctional square. This talk explores recent research and discusses how it changes our understanding not only of the comitium but also of the Republican Forum—revealed to be more modest than expected.

Dr. Johannes Lipps is a professor of archaeology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research focuses on Roman architecture and urbanism.

This event is being presented as part of our new Thursday Night Lecture Series, happening on select months during the academic year here at the Kelsey Museum. Please join us in Room 125 of Newberry Hall for an evening centered on exciting archaeological research and related topics.

This event is free and open to all visitors. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessing this event, please visit our accessibility page at https://myumi.ch/zwPkd or contact the education office by calling (734) 647-4167. We ask for advance notice as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.