What was the civic building used for storing official records in ancient Rome called?

The civic building used for storing official records in ancient Rome is known as the Tabularium. This structure served as a repository for public documents and records, making it crucial for the administrative functions of the city. The Tabularium was typically located near the Forum, the central area for public life, which reinforced its importance in civic activities.

In contrast, the Tablinum was a room in a Roman house, typically used as a reception area or study, not a public storage facility for records. The Curia refers to the meeting place of the Senate, where discussions and decisions regarding governance were made, but it did not serve as a storage site for records. Similarly, the Senate House is another name for the Curia, emphasizing the function of debate and decision rather than record-keeping. The Tabularium was specifically designed for the preservation and archiving of official documents, distinguishing it from these other important civic structures.