Lacus Curtius

The Lacus Curtius ("Lake Curtius") was a pit or pool in the ground in the Forum Romanum. The area where the Forum would later be built was originally likely a lake, as the area it was in is known to have been surrounded by brooks and marshes. One part of the area was never drained, but gradually became smaller until only a basin, known as the Lacus Curtius, was left. Its nature and significance in Rome's early history is uncertain, and several conflicting stories exist about its history.

The name of the place is likely connected with the Curtia gens, a very old Roman Family with Sabine origins.