 A number of German archaeologists joined Gerhard to map out the city of Rome, the Forum and the Comitium being of great importance as the topographical center.He was joined by Chevalier Bunsen, Earnst Platner, Wilhelm Röstell, B. G. Niebuhr and Friedrich Hoffmann in writing the book "Beschreibung der Stadt Rom" in 1817 which was published in 1832.The theories presented did not have full support from their peers.