It is possible that the excavations were initiated under Emperor Domitian, while the project of the Forum was completely attributed to the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, who also accompanied Emperor Trajan in the Dacian campaign.
É posible que as escavacións iniciáranse baixo o mandato do emperador Domiciano, aínda que o proxecto do foro estivo completamente a cargo do arquitecto Apolodoro de Damasco, que tamén acompañou ao emperador Traxano na campaña de Dacia.