Roman temples

• What were the two main areas of the temple design in Roman architecture?

  The pediments and the trince
• What was the purpose of the sanctuary in Roman cities?

  It was a holy area containing a temple and altar dedicated to the gods
• How did Roman temples differ from Greek temples in terms of priest appointments?

  Roman priests were not appointed to a specific temple
• What architectural styles influenced Roman temples?

  Etruscan and Greek styling
• What was the significance of the altar in Roman sanctuaries?

  The altar was the most important part for the populace, where sacrifices and offerings took place
• What was the communal aspect of sacrifices in Roman worship?

  Sacrifices could involve the whole city
• What were the three types of priests in Rome?

  The pontifices, the Augurs, and the Vestals
• Who were the Vestal Virgins in Roman religion?


  They were a college of six priestesses representing the goddess Vesta
• Where did the Vestal Virgins live?

  In the House of Vestals located in the Roman Forum
• What was the main difference in the sacrifice procedures between Romans and Greeks?

  Romans had a haruspex who specialized in reading the entrails of sacrificed animals
• What are the stages of a Roman sacrifice?

  1. Preparation

  2. The kill

  3. Sharing of the sacrifice
• What was the primary type of sacrifice in Roman religion?

  Blood sacrifices
• What is the location of the Temple of Portunus?

  The Temple of Portunus is located in the Forum Boarium in Rome.
• What was the Forum Boarium in ancient Rome?

  The Forum Boarium was a cattle market situated between the Palatine and Aventine Hills.
• What significant geographical feature is near the Temple of Portunus?

  The Temple of Portunus is next to the River Tiber.
• What was the original attribution of the Temple of Portunus before it was corrected?

  It was originally attributed to Fortuna Virilis, meaning manly fortune.
• When was the Temple of Portunus built?

  The Temple of Portunus was built between 120 BC and 80 BC.
• What materials were used in the construction of the Temple of Portunus?

  The temple was built using locally found stone called tufa and limestone covered with plaster.
• What architectural style is the Temple of Portunus an example of?

  The Temple of Portunus is a brilliant example of an Ionic temple.
• What feature of the Temple of Portunus indicates its Ionic style?


  The columns have traditional scrolls carved into the capital.
• What happened to the altar of the Temple of Portunus?

  The altar for the temple no longer exists.
• How did the Romans gather inspiration for their temples?

  The Romans gathered their inspiration from the Etruscans and the Greeks.
• What are the influences seen in the design of the Temple of Portunus?

  The podium and steps are Etruscan in style, while the columns and inclusion of a cella show Greek influence.
• Where is the Pantheon located?

  The Pantheon is located in the ancient Roman Campus Martius, Field of Mars.
• What was the purpose of the Campus Martius in ancient Rome?


  The Campus Martius was a large open space where the army met before campaigns and where elections took place.
• Who commissioned the original Pantheon?

  The original Pantheon was commissioned by Caesar Augustus.
• What happened to the original Pantheon built between 27 BC and 25 BC?

  The original Pantheon burnt down in 80 AD.
• Who rebuilt the Pantheon after it was destroyed?

  The Pantheon that stands today was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian.
• What does the term "Pantheon" mean?

  Pantheon means "all gods" from the Greek word "pan" meaning all and "theon" meaning gods.
• What unique architectural feature does the Pantheon have?

  The Pantheon has a rotunda capped with a dome that has an oculus at the top.
• What does the inscription restored by Hadrian on the Pantheon signify?

  The inscription states that "Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius built this when consul for the third time."
• How does the Pantheon differ from standard Roman temple plans?

  The Pantheon does not conform to a standard plan, featuring a circular space and a dome.
• What is the significance of the circular plan of the Pantheon?

  The circular plan allows for several statues of gods to be placed in the colonnade.