General roman temple bits

• What was a sanctuary in Roman times?

  A holy area with a temple and altar
• How was a sanctuary typically separated from the city?

  By a wall
• Could a sanctuary be dedicated to multiple gods?

  Yes, it could have many gods
• What was often found at the entrance of a sanctuary?

  A fresh water source
• Why was it important for Romans to keep holy sites clean?

  To avoid angering the gods
• What is the primary function of a Roman temple?

  To house the cult statue of a god
• How did Romans view their temples in relation to the gods?

  As a residence for the gods on earth
• Were Roman priests assigned to specific temples?

  No, they were not assigned
• What was the most important part of the sanctuary for the populace?

  The altar
• What activities took place at the altar?

  Sacrifices and offerings to the god
• How was the sacrifice viewed in the context of worship?

  As the most communal part of worship
• What influenced Roman temple design?

  Etruscan and Greek styling
• What is an anomaly in Roman temple design?

  The Pantheon in Rome
• In which direction were Roman temples typically oriented?

  East to west
• Why was the east to west orientation important?

  To allow sunlight on the entrance
• How was a Roman temple typically accessed?

  Only from the front
• What is a colonnade in the context of Roman temples?

  A row of columns around the temple
• What were the side and rear columns in a Roman temple?

  They were semi-engaged columns
• What is the main room in a Roman temple called?

  The cella
• What did the cella contain?

  The cult statue of the god