Ana Perez
The Rostra was a large platform built in the city ofĀ RomeĀ that stood during theĀ republicanĀ andĀ imperialĀ periods. Magistrates, politicians, advocates and otherĀ oratorsĀ spoke to the assembled people of Rome from this highly honored and elevated spot. Typically, a speaker’s platform is called a tribunal, but after Duilius won Rome’s first major naval victory against Antium in 338Ā BCE, six bronze prows of enemy ships were attached to the front of the speaker’s platform as trophies; the Latin for prows isĀ rostra, and the name became used for the entire structure.
Modern Equivalent: Tribune, platform, stage or any place from which a speech can be prominently made.
