Temples. Strictly speaking, the word templum referred to a sacred area and not just to the building dedicated to a god or goddess. Families would go to templa for several reasons, most often to ask the god or goddess for something and to offer the deity a sacrifice in return. If a family member were sick, someone might go to the temple of Asclepius to offer a sacrifice for the person's recovery. A married woman who had not yet produced children would go to the temple of Juno or Diana to ask the goddess's help in becoming pregnant. Businessmen or travelers would appeal to Mercury to protect their interests and their journeys, whereas sailors or merchants might sacrifice to Neptune before a voyage.

Fora. Every town of any size had a forum—an open area surrounded by shops or temples...