Roman temple

Maison Carree in Nimes (16)

Temple of Hercules Victor Rome April 2019

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Templo Romano dedicado a Trajano (Alcántara, Cáceres, España) , vista frontal.

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Croatia Pula Temple of Roma and Augustus 2014-10-11 11-30-05

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Roman temple in Vic (3)

Temple of Jupiter, Diocletians Palace, Split (11944057914)

Roman temples were structures built to house the deities of Ancient Rome and were central to the Roman religion. These temples were not only places of worship but also significant as cultural, political, and social symbols throughout the Roman Empire. The architecture of Roman temples was heavily influenced by earlier Greek temples, but over time, the Romans developed their own distinct architectural style and construction techniques.

Design and Architecture

The typical design of a Roman temple was derived from the Etruscan model, which in turn was influenced by Greek architectural principles. Roman temples usually featured a rectangular plan and were built on a raised platform known as a podium. The front of the temple typically had a deep porch (pronaos) with free-standing columns. The most common column styles used in Roman temples were Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

The cella, the inner chamber of the temple where the cult statue of the deity was housed, was considered the most sacred area. This chamber was often surrounded by columns integrated into the walls, a feature known as a pseudo-peripteral design. Larger temples might have multiple cellae dedicated to different deities.

Construction Materials

Roman temples were constructed using a variety of materials, including stone, marble, and concrete. The Romans were pioneers in the use of concrete, which allowed them to create larger and more durable structures than was previously possible with just stone or marble.

Notable Examples

Some of the most famous Roman temples include:

• The Pantheon in Rome, renowned for its massive dome and as a temple dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome.
• The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill, one of the earliest and most important temples in Ancient Rome.
• The Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France, one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman temple.

Religious Significance

Roman temples served as the focal point for the religious life of their communities. They were not only places for the public worship of the gods but also played a key role in festivals, ceremonies, and the civic life of the Roman state. The design and decoration of temples often reflected the cultural and religious values of the time.

Decline

The decline of Roman temples began with the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion in the Roman Empire. Many temples were either converted into churches or abandoned and fell into ruin. Despite this, Roman temple architecture has had a lasting influence on Western architecture, particularly during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods.