Friday, 16 September 2011

Forum Romanum and Pattanam- Brainchild of Dr. Thomas Issac, Former CPM Minister

 Forum Romanum  and Pattanam as Part of Muziris Heritage Project

The major objective of Pattanam excavations was not just  unearthing an archaeological site. It was intended to construct a Roman settlement as part of Muziris Heritage Project.The crucial part of the 200 crore Muziris project  is the reconstruction of the Kottappuram market  at Kodungallur  into a Meditterranean site with the splendour of Imperial Rome. In early Rome, the market place was known  as 'Forum Romanum' . It was the chief public square and  and epicentre of religious, social and commercial life.Balconies were built  above the shops surrounding the Forum. Basilicas were introduced in 184 AD, by Porcius Cato (1). His work was soon imitated by basilica Aemilia on the north of the square and basilica Sempronia on the south. At Kottappuram in Kodungallur it has been planned to construct a church square at the centre of the market. Surrounding the church square  are heritage shops, food court, walkway  and amphitheatre.Basilicas representing  the eastern and western Roman architectural style  at the north and south of the church square is set for the future.This is the first part of the Muziris Heritage Project planned by Dr. T.M.Thomas Issac  former CPM minister in which Pattanam excavation play a vital role in establishing St'Thomas theological evidence and  a Roman presence in Kerala as   justification.

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