The Comitium and Rostra were located in the Roman Forum. The Comitium was an open area that served as an assembly place for political meetings. The Rostra was a speakers' platform located in the Comitium from which leaders addressed the assembled people. Over time the design and layout of the Comitium changed but it remained the main political center of Rome until the 2nd century BC. The Rostra was a large, decorated platform ideally placed in front of government buildings.