ANCIENT ROMAN TEMPLES

By Areeka and Jess

ANCIENT ROMAN TEMPLES... - Built in honour of the Gods and Goddesses - Gifts were often given in public temples and they were most likely in the form of a sacrificed animal - It was believed that if the Gods were made happy, there worshippers would receive good fortune in return. - Not only public temples were used, each household would have a room in the house dedicated as a shrine. - Shrines in the home were common as it was believed their Gods would protect the home and family.

TEMPLES:THE PANTHEON

THE PANTHEON...Use of the Temple:- Was originally a Pagan Temple built for worship-The temple is now used as a Christian Church- The word Pantheon means ‘every God’ and the temple was originally built for the worship of all Olympic Gods.

Appearance:-The Pantheon is one of the best preserved monuments-The Oculus is located in the centre of the Temples roof and is the only light source in the building-There are statues of Gods located at several points around the Temple-Had golden tiles

THE PANTHEON...History of the Temple:-Built by Marcus Agrippa (27BC) and was rebuilt, after a fire, in 126 AD by emperor Domitian, but was stuck by lightning and burnt down for a second time.-It was then re-built with a totally different design that was hoped would last longer.-Was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was built-After Christianity replaced paganism in Rome, the Pantheon was abandoned as public pagan worship became prohibited-The Temple then became used as a Christian Church and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and all Martyrs

TEMPLES:BELLONA

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

The temple of Bellona was built as a dedication to the War Goddess, Bellona. This temple sits next to the temple of Apollo Sosianus and the theatre of Marcellus. It was identified from the remains of a recovered podium during the 1930’s and it was vowed in 296BC by Appius Claudius Caecus after a victory was achieved against the Etruscans. The location of the temple of Bellona made it a suitable place for the senate to meet returning generals.

FEATURES OF THE TEMPLE

There are many different unique features of the temple of Bellona. Some of these features include: It is a small building There are two columns on each side at the front Three front steps to the entrance of the temple The whole temple is made of brick

It is traditional ritual in which the Romans throw a spear over one of the columns whenever Rome declares war.

PICTURES