Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

Rome, IT

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Location
Rome, IT
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
41.892138888, 12.486688888
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check forecast before visiting; bring water in summer.

Overview

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, situated within the Roman Forum, stands as a remarkably preserved testament to Roman imperial architecture and religious practices. Originally constructed in 141 CE by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his deified wife, Faustina the Elder, it was later rededicated to include Antoninus Pius himself upon his death and deification in 161 CE. This dual dedication underscores the imperial cult's significance during the Antonine dynasty. Its impressive Corinthian columns and elevated podium are prominent features that draw visitors exploring the historical core of Rome. The temple's exceptional state of preservation is largely attributed to its conversion into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda during the 11th century, a transformation that protected its core structure from the extensive quarrying and destruction that befell many other ancient Roman monuments. For those seeking to immerse themselves in ancient Roman history and discover what to do in the area, this site offers a profound glimpse into the past, presenting both the grandeur of imperial Rome and the adaptive reuse of its structures through subsequent eras.

General information

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, situated within the Roman Forum, stands as a remarkably preserved testament to Roman imperial architecture and religious practices. Originally constructed in 141 CE by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his deified wife, Faustina the Elder, it was later rededicated to include Antoninus Pius himself upon his death and deification in 161 CE. This dual dedication underscores the imperial cult's significance during the Antonine dynasty. Its impressive Corinthian columns and elevated podium are prominent features that draw visitors exploring the historical core of Rome. The temple's exceptional state of preservation is largely attributed to its conversion into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda during the 11th century, a transformation that protected its core structure from the extensive quarrying and destruction that befell many other ancient Roman monuments. For those seeking to immerse themselves in ancient Roman history and discover what to do in the area, this site offers a profound glimpse into the past, presenting both the grandeur of imperial Rome and the adaptive reuse of its structures through subsequent eras.

Did you know

  • The temple was initially dedicated solely to Faustina the Elder, becoming one of the first Roman temples dedicated to a deified empress.
  • Its remarkable preservation is due to its conversion into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, which effectively encased and protected the ancient structure.
  • The deep horizontal grooves visible on the temple's columns are believed to be the result of attempts to pull the columns down, possibly for their material, during the medieval period.
  • The original bronze doors of the temple were still in place in the 16th century, according to Renaissance drawings, before being lost.

History

Construction of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina commenced in 141 CE, commissioned by Emperor Antoninus Pius following the death and deification of his wife, Faustina the Elder. The dedication inscription, 'DIVAE FAUSTINAE EX S.C.' (To the Divine Faustina, by decree of the Senate), confirms its initial purpose. Upon Antoninus Pius's own death and deification in 161 CE, the temple was rededicated to both him and his wife, with the additional inscription 'DIVO ANTONINO' (To the Divine Antoninus) added to the architrave. This dual dedication solidified its role as a monument to the imperial cult. In the 11th century, the pagan temple was adapted into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, a conversion that played a crucial role in safeguarding its structural integrity through centuries of neglect and material scavenging that affected other Roman Forum buildings.

Cultural significance

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina represents a significant example of the Roman imperial cult, a practice where emperors and their family members were deified and worshipped. Its dual dedication to Antoninus Pius and Faustina the Elder underscores the political and religious importance of imperial spouses and the continuity of dynastic veneration. Furthermore, its transformation into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda exemplifies the complex process of religious syncretism and adaptation in Rome. This conversion allowed for the physical preservation of a major ancient structure, bridging the gap between pagan antiquity and Christian medievalism. The temple thus stands as a symbol of both the grandeur of Roman imperial power and the enduring human impulse to imbue sacred spaces with new meaning over time, making it a pivotal site for understanding the cultural evolution of the city.

Geography and landscape

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is strategically positioned on the northern side of the Via Sacra within the Roman Forum, one of the most vital arteries of ancient Rome. It stands on a high tufa block podium, a common feature of Roman temple architecture, which elevates it above the surrounding ground level. Its prominent location places it directly opposite the Basilica Aemilia and adjacent to the Regia and the House of the Vestals, integrating it into the core ceremonial and administrative district of the Forum. The temple's imposing façade, characterized by its ten monolithic Corinthian columns of Cipollino marble, dominates its immediate surroundings, contributing significantly to the architectural grandeur of this central archaeological zone. Its position allows for an uninterrupted view of its well-preserved portico from various vantage points within the Forum complex.

More facts

  • Sourced from Wikidata (Q752555)
  • Imported from OSM batch

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