Originally the term "Lapis Niger" refered to a stub stone block, inscribed with earliest known Latin inscriptions dating back to circa 570–550 BCE. The stone was discovered beneath the black-stone paving in front of the south-facade of the Curia Julia in the late 19th century CE. However, over time as the excavations progressed and remains of earlier structures were unearthed, the entire so-called "shrine" area came to be known as "Lapis Niger". Today it is the site of active archaeological excavation activity.

The first century BCE black stone paving (the latest in the reconstruction of the area), covered an ancient cultic-shrine complex. The paving dates back to either the lifetime of Caesar when he rearranged the comitium area or Augustus' integration of the archaic structure in to the comitium area.

circa 54 BCE

Archaeological Descriptions
The original version of the site, first excavated in 1899 CE, included a truncated cone of tuff (possibly a monument) and the lower portion of a square pillar (cippus) which was inscribed with an Old Latin inscription, perhaps the oldest in existence if not the Duenos inscription or the Praeneste fibula. A U-shaped altar, of which only the base still survives, was added some time later. In front of the altar are two bases, which may also have been added separately from the main altar. The antiquarian Verrius Flaccus (whose work is preserved only in the epitome of Pompeius Festus), a contemporary of Augustus, described a statue of a resting lion placed on each base, "just as they may be seen today guarding graves". This is sometimes referred to as the Vulcanal. Also added at another period was an honorary column, possibly with a statue topping it.

circa 570–550 BCE

The "Lapis Niger" Stone and Inscription
The Old Latin inscription on the stone block has various interesting features. The lettering is closer to Greek letters than any known Latin lettering, since it is chronologically closer to the original borrowing of the Greek alphabet by peoples of Italy from Italian Greek colonies, such as Cumae (first ancient Greek colony of Magna Graecia on the mainland of Italy). The inscription is written boustrophedon (written from right to left and from left to right in alternate lines). Many of the oldest Latin inscriptions are written in this style. The meaning of the inscription is difficult to discern as the beginning and end are missing and only one third to one half of each line survives. It appears, however, to dedicate the shrine to a rex or king and to level grave curses at anyone who dares disturb it. Attempts have been made at interpreting the meaning of the surviving fragment by Johannes Stroux, Georges Dumézil and Robert E. A. Palmer. The text has been interpreted as reading:

Whosoever (will violate) this (grove), let him be cursed. (Let no one dump) refuse (nor throw a body ...). Let it be lawful for the king (to sacrifice a cow in atonement). (Let him fine) one (fine) for each (offence). Whom the king (will fine, let him give cows). (Let the king have a —) herald. (Let him yoke) a team, two heads, sterile… Along the route ... (Him) who (will) not (sacrifice) with a young animal .. in ... lawful assembly in grove...

circa 650-550 BCE

Vulcanal
The Vulcanal (identify) was traditionally believed to commemorate the spot where the legendary figures Romulus and Tatius concluded the peace treaty between the tribes known as the Latins — dwelling on the Palatine Hill — and the Sabines who dwelled on the Quirinal and Esquiline hills. This famous merger, circa 750 BCE, of the hill-villages is said to be the foundation of the Roman state.

circa 650-550 BCE

Sarcophagus
The burial containing a tomb and some of the dedicatory statues were discovered in the Lapis Niger archaeological area, directly adjacent to the south steps of the Curia Julia. A number of speculations have been made as to the owner of the burial/sarcophagus. The possible candidates include, Faustulus (the shepherd who looked after the Romulus and Remus), Hostus Hostilius (a Roman warrior in the time of Romulus, and the grandfather of Tullus Hostilius, the third Roman king), or even Romulus himself.

circa 338-44 BCE

Rostra Vetera
The Rostra vetera (literally meaning the "veteran rostra" or the "old rostra"), was the first ever purpose built speakers' platform in the Roman Forum. At the time it was simply known as the "rostra". During the period of Sulla it was most likely buried along with the nearby Vulcanal altar under the Lapis Niger pavement, and a new rostra was built nearby which eventually was replaced by the rostra Augusti.

However, during the reconstruction of the Roman Forum during the Julian period this later rostra was renamed "rostra vetera" to distinguish it from the "rostra novae" (the new rostra), which encased the older one. This new rostra came to be known as the "Rostra Augusti".