Located in the Forum of Caesar, Rome, is the Temple of Venus Genetrix. The forum and temple were planned as early as 54 BCE, and construction began shortly thereafter. It was dedicated to the goddess on 26 September 46 BCE by Julius Caesar. The structure has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, notably by Domitian, Trajan, and Diocletian.
The temple was built of brick faced with marble and featured eight columns on the facade and eight columns on each side. Access to the cella was provided through flanking arches and narrow stairs leading to a landing. It was positioned at the far end of the court enclosed by the Forum, a standard practice among the Romans.
Inside the temple were deposited items including a statue of Venus Genetrix by Arcesilaus and statues of Julius Caesar. Other contents included Greek paintings by Timomachus, engraved gems, and a breastplate decorated with pearls from Britannia. The temple was styled in Corinthian order, featuring carved mouldings with dolphins, shells, and tridents, and three fountain basins.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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