Lapis Niger Self-researched

Location: Roman Forum, Rome
Date: 7th-6th century BC

An ancient shrine marked by black marble paving stones, among the oldest monuments in the Forum. The site contains one of the oldest known Latin inscriptions (Cippus of the Lapis Niger), dating to the 6th or 5th century BC. The shrine was considered sacred even in ancient times, and its original purpose was obscure even to the Romans.