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 of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus

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 at the Temple of Vespasian and Titus

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.