As you stroll down the northwest colonnade (see navigational plan), you take time to read the inscriptions detailing the achievements of the great men and to view the statues that line the inner wall, some wearing togas, and some in the armor of triumphant generals. You note that these colonnades were primarily used for legal functions; one of the reasons that Augustus built this forum was to provide more space for the law courts that were overcrowding the Forum Roman and Forum of Julius Caesar. Citizens came here for selection of jurors by lot, public prosecutions were conducted here, and emperors and urban praetors held their tribunals here (interestingly, places for these activities were assigned according to the nearest statue, requiring people to read the inscriptions).
In one corner of the colonnade, you notice a special activity. It seems that there is an exhibition of coins dealing with the early history of Rome; click on Coin Exhibit below to find out more.
Coin Exhibit
Northwest Hemicycle