Lacus Juturnae

Rome, IT

Lacus Juturnae
Lacus Juturnae
Location
Rome, IT
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
41.89157222, 12.48588889
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check forecast before visiting; bring water in summer.

Overview

Lacus Juturnae, situated within the ancient Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, represents a significant archaeological site dedicated to Juturna, the Roman goddess of springs, fountains, and wells. This sacred spring and associated shrine served as a vital water source for the Forum's inhabitants and played a crucial role in Roman religious practices, particularly those involving the healing properties of water. Visitors exploring the Roman Forum will discover the remains of the spring, an altar, and a small temple or aedicula, providing a tangible connection to the daily life and spiritual beliefs of ancient Rome. As one of the many ancient places to visit in the heart of the city, Lacus Juturnae offers insight into the engineering prowess and religious devotion of a bygone era. The site is a key component for understanding the complex urban planning and hydraulic systems of the Roman Empire, making it an essential stop for those interested in historical and archaeological exploration in Rome.

General information

Lacus Juturnae, situated within the ancient Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, represents a significant archaeological site dedicated to Juturna, the Roman goddess of springs, fountains, and wells. This sacred spring and associated shrine served as a vital water source for the Forum's inhabitants and played a crucial role in Roman religious practices, particularly those involving the healing properties of water. Visitors exploring the Roman Forum will discover the remains of the spring, an altar, and a small temple or aedicula, providing a tangible connection to the daily life and spiritual beliefs of ancient Rome. As one of the many ancient places to visit in the heart of the city, Lacus Juturnae offers insight into the engineering prowess and religious devotion of a bygone era. The site is a key component for understanding the complex urban planning and hydraulic systems of the Roman Empire, making it an essential stop for those interested in historical and archaeological exploration in Rome.

Did you know

  • Lacus Juturnae was dedicated to Juturna, the Roman goddess of springs, fountains, and wells, often associated with healing.
  • The site was historically linked to the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, who were said to have watered their horses there after the Battle of Lake Regillus.
  • Archaeological excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revealed the full extent of the complex, including an altar and a small temple.
  • The spring's waters were considered sacred and were used for various religious rites and public water supply within the Roman Forum.

History

The origins of Lacus Juturnae trace back to the early Roman Republic, with evidence suggesting its use as a sacred spring from at least the 4th century BCE. Its significance grew over centuries, becoming a focal point for the cult of Juturna and a crucial water source for the Roman Forum. During the Republican era, the site was monumentalized, and an altar dedicated to the goddess was established. The most significant architectural additions occurred during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century BCE, when a small temple or aedicula was constructed, further enhancing its religious prominence. The site continued to function through the Imperial period, undergoing various renovations until its eventual decline and burial by subsequent layers of sediment and construction. Its rediscovery in the late 19th century by Giacomo Boni was a pivotal moment in Roman archaeology.

Cultural significance

Lacus Juturnae held profound cultural and religious significance for the ancient Romans. As a sacred spring, it was revered as the dwelling place of the nymph Juturna, whose waters were believed to possess healing properties, attracting supplicants seeking remedies. The association with the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, further elevated its status, linking it to military victory and divine intervention. The spring's consistent water supply was also vital for the daily functioning of the Roman Forum, serving both practical and ritualistic purposes. Its presence underscored the Roman reverence for natural elements and their integration into the urban fabric and religious life. The archaeological remains provide invaluable insight into Roman hydraulic engineering, religious practices, and the intertwining of myth and daily existence in the heart of their empire.

Geography and landscape

Lacus Juturnae is situated in the southeastern part of the Roman Forum, nestled between the Temple of Castor and Pollux to the north and the House of the Vestals to the south. This location placed it centrally within the bustling civic, religious, and commercial hub of ancient Rome. The site itself comprises a rectangular basin or pool, fed by a natural spring, surrounded by the remains of an altar, a small temple (aedicula), and associated statuary. The surrounding terrain of the Forum, originally a marshy valley, was gradually drained and paved, transforming it into the monumental core of the city. The presence of a perennial spring like Lacus Juturnae was a geologically significant feature that influenced the early development and subsequent sacred topography of this foundational urban space.

More facts

  • Sourced from Wikidata (Q1714672)

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