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Temple of Vespasian, Rome

Photo © Holly Hayes. View all images in our Temple of Vespasian Photo Gallery.
Photo © Holly Hayes.
Photo © Holly Hayes.
Photo © Holly Hayes.
Photo © Holly Hayes.

Only three Corinthian columns remain of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus at the west end of the Roman Forum in Rome. It was built c.80-85 AD to the deified emperors Vespasian (d. 79) and Titus (d. 81).

History

Emperor Vespasian died at his country villa in July 79 AD. Legend has it his last words were: "Pity, I think I'm turning into a god." Vespasian was succeeded by his son Titus, who began the process of deification of his father and construction on a temple in his honor.

Titus himself died in 81, leaving completion of the project to his younger brother Domitian. The temple was probably complete before 85 AD.

The Temple of Vespasian and Titus was restored in the early 200s AD by Septimus Severus and Caracalla, who recorded their work in an inscription on the architrave. But their restoration was either lightly done or done to another part of the temple, as the surviving section is entirely original.

What to See

The ruined Temple of Vespasian and Titus stands at the west end of the Roman Forum, crowded into a small space between the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Saturn. It is built in the Corinthian order of white Italian marble. Three columns still stand - two from the front and one from the right side - 48 Roman feet (14.2m) high.

The architrave on the front bears a portion of the 3rd-century inscription recording the restorations: "[R]ESTITUER." The entablature on the side is carved with an elaborate and interesting relief of bull skulls alternated with implements of sacrifice such as knives and jugs.


Quick Facts on the Temple of Vespasian

Site Information
Names:Temple of Vespasian and Titus
City:Rome
State:Lazio
Country:Italy
cat:Temples
faith:Ancient Roman; Imperial cult
style:Roman
Dates:c. 80-85
Status:monument
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Rome, Italy
Coordinates:41.892708° N, 12.483934° E  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:See Roman Forum
Cost:See Roman Forum
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of the Temple of Vespasian

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Temple of Vespasian. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Personal visits (July 20, 2006; April 16, 2008).
  2. Amanda Claridge, Judith Toms, Tony Cubberley, Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide (Oxford University Press, 1998), 79.

More Information

Article Info

Title:Temple of Vespasian, Rome
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:12/07/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-temple-of-vespasian
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