Forum

The word "forum" is derived from the Latin word "Fora". A large public meeting place. Similar in origin and function to other words used today when describing public speaking. "Community" and "Committee" originate from the Latin terms "Comitium" and "Comeo" and today's podium is referred to as a "Rostrum" from the original stone tribunal called the "Rostra". The people of ancient Rome would meet in the "Comitium" to listen to orators speak from the "Rostra". When the city grew larger the Roman Forum" was built to accommodate larger crowds. Gaius Gracchus, a tibune of Rome is famous for turning his back on the Senate in the "Comitium" while speaking from the "Rostra" to face the common people gathered in the forum on the other side. From that point all orators spoke with their back to the Senate House. Today the term "Forum" is defined as an online Internet message board section or "forum" where people leave posts with their opinion and comments. Each "forum" is separated into specific interests like, politics, news, pics etc.