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Temple of Vespasian, Rome 

Temple of Vespasian and Titus

Temple of Vespasian

Temple of Vespasian: Columns

Temple of Vespasian

Roman Forum with Temple of Vespasian and Titus

Location map and aerial view of Temple of Vespasian. For a larger interactive view, see our Rome Map.




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

Site Information
Names: Temple of Vespasian
Location:Rome, Lazio, Italy
Faith:Ancient Roman
Denomination:Imperial cult
Dedication:Vespasian and Titus
Category: Roman Temples; World Heritage Sites
Architecture: Roman
Date:c.80-85 AD
Patron(s):Titus
Status:monument
Visitor Information
Address:Foro Romano, Rome, Italy
Coordinates: 41.892708° N, 12.483934° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Opening hours:Same hours as Roman Forum
Cost:Included in admission to Roman Forum

Note: This information was accurate when 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.

Travel Resources

Article Sources

  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.


Last updated on December 7, 2009.






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