Lake of Curtius

Lake of Curtius was a mysterious pit or pool in the ground. 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 Lake of Curtius, was left. Its nature and significance in Rome’s early history is uncertain. The name of the place is likely connected with the Curtius gens, a very old Roman Family with Sabine origins.