{"id":35,"date":"2025-04-17T17:32:58","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T17:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=35"},"modified":"2025-05-12T19:18:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T19:18:12","slug":"temple-of-faustine-and-antoninus-pius-church-of-san-lorenzo","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/chapter\/temple-of-faustine-and-antoninus-pius-church-of-san-lorenzo\/","title":{"rendered":"Temple of Faustina the Elder and Antoninus Pius \/ Church of San Lorenzo"},"content":{"raw":"[caption id=\"attachment_149\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"606\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"606\" height=\"402\" class=\"wp-image-149\" \/> Figure 1. Front view of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina the Elder.[\/caption]\r\n<h3>The Site<\/h3>\r\nEmpress Augusta Faustina the Elder died in 140\/141 CE. Beloved by her husband, Emperor Antoninus Pius, he built this temple in the Roman Forum to deify and honor the woman she had been. For 20 years, this was the first temple in the Roman Forum solely dedicated to an empress, highlighting the significance of Faustina\u2019s contributions to Roman society. Later, in 161 CE, the temple was expanded by the orders of the Roman Senate to include Antoninus Pius in the tribute.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_290\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-300x140.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-290\" \/> Figure 2. Left side coin depicting a bust of Faustina and the right coin showcases the Temple to Diva Faustina. \"DIVA FAUSTINA-RIC III 343 (Pius)-2600477\" by CNG is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the time that the temple was solely dedicated to Faustina, she had a priesthood assigned to her worship, a foundation for young girls was created in her honor, and the \u2018pompa circensis\u2019, \u2018circus parade\u2019, was altered to include Faustina in the worship. Additionally, coins with detailed engravings of the temple, Faustina, and inscriptions with \u2018DIVA FAUSTINA\u2019 were minted in her honor. These extravagant measures, at the hands of Antoninus, were an unusual way to consecrate and deify figures, but were accepted and supported by the Senate and the people nonetheless.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_341\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"438\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"438\" height=\"264\" class=\" wp-image-341\" \/> Figure 3. Etching of the martyrdom of San Lorenzo by Claude Vignon.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter undergoing multiple rebuilding and excavations, detailed below, the original interior structure of the temple was adapted into a Christian church in the 7th or 8th century. In the 11th century, the now Christian church was dedicated to St. Lawrence in Miranda, also known as La Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda. Once the temple was turned into a church, it was utilized not only for Christian religious practices and rites but also repurposed to fit the needs of society. It is believed that the location of the church is where San Lorenzo, patron saint of librarians and the poor, died and was made a martyr.\r\n\r\nPresently, it is on display in the Roman Forum for people to come and visit. Despite losing much of its history to excavations and rebuilding, this church is one of the most well kept buildings in the Roman Forum. As a fascination for the classical world draws thousands of tourists to Rome annually, the church is more commonly known as the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina, instead of the Church of St. Lawrence in Miranda.\r\n<h3>Structure and Remodelings<\/h3>\r\n<h6>The Temple<\/h6>\r\nThe temple\u2019s original structure was a hexastyle prostyle with Corinthian columns made of cipollino marble from Carystos on Euboea. The reconstruction to the right depicts what the temple could have looked like when it was first built, using numerous coins as a guideline for the structure. There were originally statues on either corner of the pediment and a larger one on top. On the inside of one of the marble columns is graffiti work of Hercules and the Nemean lion, and other scenes. These inscriptions were likely inspired by other statues nearby.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_292\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"281\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-259x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"281\" height=\"326\" class=\" wp-image-292\" \/> Figure 4. Reconstruction of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina. \"3D reconstruction of the Temple of Divus Antoninus Pius and Diva Faustina, Upper Via Sacra, Rome\" by Following Hadrian is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe cella was constructed in opus quadratum, an ancient Roman masonry technique in which squared stone blocks were laid in parallel courses, often without mortar. Along the side of the cella, constructed with peperino, is a frieze that depicts a repeating scene: A candelabra rising from acanthus scrolls sits next to two gryphons facing each other with their outer paws resting on an acanthus leaf; a popular scene of the Antonine period.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_216\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"386\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"386\" height=\"256\" class=\"wp-image-216\" \/> Figure 5. Portion of the frieze running along the exterior of the cella.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe now brick stairs have undergone many renovations throughout time, and in the middle sits an altar at which ritual offerings would have been made. The existing church is placed nearly 6 meters above the original floor, which speaks to the various renovations that the building has gone through as it was converted into a church, pillaged, and multi-purposed by Roman society. Figure 6 illustrates what the temple would have looked like when the ground was raised to match the height of the surrounding buildings.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_344\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"381\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-300x221.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"381\" height=\"281\" class=\" wp-image-344\" \/> Figure 6. Etching of a view of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Rome.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_164\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"430\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-284x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"430\" height=\"454\" class=\"wp-image-164 \" \/> Figure 7. Statue remains of Antoninus Pius or Faustina.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the cella, or main room, would have sat a statue of Faustina, and later an additional one of Antoninus. The remains of one of these statues are presently sitting on the portico for public view. Historians do not know to which figure it belongs.\r\n<h6><\/h6>\r\n<h6><\/h6>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h6>The Church<\/h6>\r\nWhen the temple was initially converted into a church, there were three chapels attached to the exterior of the temple. The journal article linked <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/41766478\">here<\/a> displays pictures of the church throughout its various remodelings as it compares the development of Roman urban life.\r\n\r\nThroughout the evolution of Rome, ideologies shift and religious beliefs change in response to the socio-political climate. Even though the church was said to be protected by the consecration of Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda in the 11th century, some instances were out of the state\u2019s control. The church survived many lootings. Some were ordered by the Romans themselves, and others by foreign parties. In 1085, the Roman Forum was sacked by Norman forces led by Robert Guiscard. Then in 1362, Pope Urban V ordered the removal of marble and peperino blocks from the upper portion of the church. These pieces were placed in a kiln and utilized to restore the Lateran Palace on the Caelian Hill.\r\n\r\nAs the church oscillated in and out of use, the building would be repurposed for other means. In 1429, the chapels of the church were turned into the medical college, Universitas Aromatariorum, by Pope Martin V. It stayed this way for nearly a century until Charles V marched against Pope Clement VII and instigated the infamous sack of Rome in May 1527, taking and destroying all they could. Less than 10 years later, the site was disrupted again by Charles V, but for a different reason.\r\n\r\nIn 1540, the chapels surrounding the church, which had lasted over 500 years, were torn down along with nearly 200 peasant houses that were located in the Roman Forum. Pope Paul III gave these orders to prepare the city for a visit from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, who was appointed as such by Pope Clement VII in 1530. Pope Paul III wanted to clear the processional avenue from the Arch of Titus to the Arch of Septimus Severus to honor the emperor for his victory in Tunis. Here we see the constant push and pull between Rome\u2019s alluring history and the demands of the present. While the geography of the forum was adapted to fit the needs of the state, there is still a pull for Rome to connect with its ancestral roots. Once Charles V had obtained a victory for Rome, the Pope was quick to demolish hundreds of residential spaces to make room for the now ancient ritual ceremony of the emperors' military accomplishments.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_309\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"339\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"254\" class=\" wp-image-309\" \/> Figure 8. Front view of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina. \"Temple of Antoninus and Faustina\" by Tirch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOn the four middle columns in front of the temple, there are two grooves at the top. Some say these indicate a failed attempt at bringing the columns down to demolish the temple. Others argue that the groves were made from one of the three chapel roofs previously mentioned that lined the exterior of the temple.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_299\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"332\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"332\" height=\"247\" class=\" wp-image-299\" \/> Figure 9. Print of the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina in the 18th century. \"Tempel van Antoninus en Faustina te Rome Veduta del Tempio di Antonino e Faustina in Campo Vaccino (titel op object) Gezichten op Rome (serietitel) Vedute di Roma disegnate ed incise da Giambattista Piranesi architett, RP-P-1941-626\" by Rijksmuseum is marked with CC0 1.0.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the 16th century there was a flourish of urban renewal as Rome came out of the other end of centuries of attacks. In 1578, a school of pharmacology and healing was placed within the remains of the church's main room. Gardens covered the space that used to house the Basilica Aemilia, which used to neighbor the temple.\r\n\r\nThroughout various excavations, there have been various pedestals of statues that were discovered and multiple remodelings of the church. In 1602, the inside of the church underwent its final remodeling on the orders of Pope Paul III.\u00a0 Orazio Turriani was employed to create a Baroque-style church within the temple's remains. It was turned into a single-nave structure with lateral chapels. This is the building that exists in the Roman Forum today.\r\n<h3>Surroundings<\/h3>\r\nInstead of being placed in the Campus Martius, where other imperial shrines were located, the temple was built in the Roman Forum, along the Via Sacra. It is located next to the temple of Romulus and across from the Temple of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins. At the time of its creation, two highly regarded and active religious sites. Additionally, its entrance faced the side of the temple to Caesar, one of the few emperors whose temples were located in the Roman Forum. Its placement in the forum and proximity to other temples of great significance speak to the great admiration the Roman senate and state likely had for Antoninus and Faustina.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_294\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"772\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"772\" height=\"545\" class=\" wp-image-294\" \/> Figure 10. Roman Forum map with the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina highlighted in red.[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Ancient Literary Sources<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_234\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"420\"]<img src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"278\" class=\"wp-image-234\" \/> Figure 11. Close up view of the inscription on the front of the temple.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe dedicatory inscription on the architrave of the temple is one of the only surviving ancient literary sources. Due to the constant plundering and neglect of the site, little architectural evidence remains. The inscription along the front of the temple reads, DIVO ANTONINO ET DIVAE FAVSTINAE EX S.C., which translates to \u2018for deified Antonino and the deified Faustina by decree of the Senate\u2019. The second line of the inscription in dedication to Faustina was believed to have originally been the first line. Upon the death of Antoninus, his dedication was written as the first line, and Faustina\u2019s dedication was rewritten in a smaller font underneath this.\r\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\r\nThis site has undergone many identities since it was first built. Beginning as the first temple in the Roman Forum dedicated to the deification of an Empress, undergoing conversion into a Christian church, living through numerous plunderings, serving as a school of pharmacology and healing, being transformed back into a church, and now sitting in the Roman Forum as a monument of Roman history, this building is the embodiment of Roman history. Its versatility speaks to the Romans' ability to adapt their surroundings to their needs, but also emphasizes their connection to the golden age of the Roman Empire. Regardless of what setbacks ensue, the people's connection to a once indestructible empire serves as a reminder of the strength of the state.\r\n<h3>Bibliography<\/h3>\r\nCoarelli, Filippo. <i>Rome and environs: An archaeological guide<\/i>. University of California Press, 2014.\r\n\r\nFulford, Eric. \u201cA Temple Through Time.\u201d <i>Archaeology<\/i> 47, no. 5 (1994): 54\u201359. http:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/41766478.\r\n\r\n\u201cIntroduction.\u201d Omeka RSS. Accessed April 23, 2025. http:\/\/omeka.wellesley.edu\/piranesi-rome\/exhibits\/show\/temple-of-antoninus-and-fausti\/introduction.\r\n\r\nMattingly, Harold. \u201cThe Consecration of Faustina the Elder and Her Daughter.\u201d <i>Harvard Theological Review<\/i> 41, no. 2 (April 1948): 147\u201351. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/s0017816000019428.\r\n\r\nMcIntyre, Gwynaeth. \u201cCHAPTER 4 Female Divinities: The Divae and Their Priests.\u201d Essay, 2016.\r\n<div class=\"csl-bib-body\">\r\n<div data-csl-entry-id=\"defffc10-4849-3055-8e03-e517cf06656f\" class=\"csl-entry\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_149\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-149\" style=\"width: 606px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"606\" height=\"402\" class=\"wp-image-149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-65x43.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-225x149.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/front-350x232.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-149\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 1. Front view of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina the Elder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>The Site<\/h3>\n<p>Empress Augusta Faustina the Elder died in 140\/141 CE. Beloved by her husband, Emperor Antoninus Pius, he built this temple in the Roman Forum to deify and honor the woman she had been. For 20 years, this was the first temple in the Roman Forum solely dedicated to an empress, highlighting the significance of Faustina\u2019s contributions to Roman society. Later, in 161 CE, the temple was expanded by the orders of the Roman Senate to include Antoninus Pius in the tribute.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_290\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-290\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-300x140.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-300x140.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-768x357.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-65x30.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-225x105.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini-350x163.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/coini.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-290\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 2. Left side coin depicting a bust of Faustina and the right coin showcases the Temple to Diva Faustina. &#8220;DIVA FAUSTINA-RIC III 343 (Pius)-2600477&#8221; by CNG is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the time that the temple was solely dedicated to Faustina, she had a priesthood assigned to her worship, a foundation for young girls was created in her honor, and the \u2018pompa circensis\u2019, \u2018circus parade\u2019, was altered to include Faustina in the worship. Additionally, coins with detailed engravings of the temple, Faustina, and inscriptions with \u2018DIVA FAUSTINA\u2019 were minted in her honor. These extravagant measures, at the hands of Antoninus, were an unusual way to consecrate and deify figures, but were accepted and supported by the Senate and the people nonetheless.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_341\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-341\" style=\"width: 438px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"438\" height=\"264\" class=\"wp-image-341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-1024x616.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-768x462.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-1536x925.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-2048x1233.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-65x39.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-225x135.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/lorenzo-350x211.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 438px) 100vw, 438px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-341\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 3. Etching of the martyrdom of San Lorenzo by Claude Vignon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After undergoing multiple rebuilding and excavations, detailed below, the original interior structure of the temple was adapted into a Christian church in the 7th or 8th century. In the 11th century, the now Christian church was dedicated to St. Lawrence in Miranda, also known as La Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda. Once the temple was turned into a church, it was utilized not only for Christian religious practices and rites but also repurposed to fit the needs of society. It is believed that the location of the church is where San Lorenzo, patron saint of librarians and the poor, died and was made a martyr.<\/p>\n<p>Presently, it is on display in the Roman Forum for people to come and visit. Despite losing much of its history to excavations and rebuilding, this church is one of the most well kept buildings in the Roman Forum. As a fascination for the classical world draws thousands of tourists to Rome annually, the church is more commonly known as the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina, instead of the Church of St. Lawrence in Miranda.<\/p>\n<h3>Structure and Remodelings<\/h3>\n<h6>The Temple<\/h6>\n<p>The temple\u2019s original structure was a hexastyle prostyle with Corinthian columns made of cipollino marble from Carystos on Euboea. The reconstruction to the right depicts what the temple could have looked like when it was first built, using numerous coins as a guideline for the structure. There were originally statues on either corner of the pediment and a larger one on top. On the inside of one of the marble columns is graffiti work of Hercules and the Nemean lion, and other scenes. These inscriptions were likely inspired by other statues nearby.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_292\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-292\" style=\"width: 281px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-259x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"281\" height=\"326\" class=\"wp-image-292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-259x300.jpg 259w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-65x75.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-225x260.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction-350x405.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/reconstruction.jpg 746w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-292\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 4. Reconstruction of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina. &#8220;3D reconstruction of the Temple of Divus Antoninus Pius and Diva Faustina, Upper Via Sacra, Rome&#8221; by Following Hadrian is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The cella was constructed in opus quadratum, an ancient Roman masonry technique in which squared stone blocks were laid in parallel courses, often without mortar. Along the side of the cella, constructed with peperino, is a frieze that depicts a repeating scene: A candelabra rising from acanthus scrolls sits next to two gryphons facing each other with their outer paws resting on an acanthus leaf; a popular scene of the Antonine period.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_216\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-216\" style=\"width: 386px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"386\" height=\"256\" class=\"wp-image-216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-2048x1356.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-65x43.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-225x149.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/frieze-350x232.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-216\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 5. Portion of the frieze running along the exterior of the cella.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The now brick stairs have undergone many renovations throughout time, and in the middle sits an altar at which ritual offerings would have been made. The existing church is placed nearly 6 meters above the original floor, which speaks to the various renovations that the building has gone through as it was converted into a church, pillaged, and multi-purposed by Roman society. Figure 6 illustrates what the temple would have looked like when the ground was raised to match the height of the surrounding buildings.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_344\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-344\" style=\"width: 381px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-300x221.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"381\" height=\"281\" class=\"wp-image-344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-300x221.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-768x566.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-65x48.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-225x166.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground-350x258.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/ground.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-344\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 6. Etching of a view of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Rome.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_164\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-164\" style=\"width: 430px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-284x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"430\" height=\"454\" class=\"wp-image-164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-969x1024.jpg 969w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-768x811.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-1454x1536.jpg 1454w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-65x69.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-225x238.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597-350x370.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/statue-scaled-e1745258997597.jpg 1696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 430px) 100vw, 430px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-164\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 7. Statue remains of Antoninus Pius or Faustina.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the cella, or main room, would have sat a statue of Faustina, and later an additional one of Antoninus. The remains of one of these statues are presently sitting on the portico for public view. Historians do not know to which figure it belongs.<\/p>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h6>The Church<\/h6>\n<p>When the temple was initially converted into a church, there were three chapels attached to the exterior of the temple. The journal article linked <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/41766478\">here<\/a> displays pictures of the church throughout its various remodelings as it compares the development of Roman urban life.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the evolution of Rome, ideologies shift and religious beliefs change in response to the socio-political climate. Even though the church was said to be protected by the consecration of Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda in the 11th century, some instances were out of the state\u2019s control. The church survived many lootings. Some were ordered by the Romans themselves, and others by foreign parties. In 1085, the Roman Forum was sacked by Norman forces led by Robert Guiscard. Then in 1362, Pope Urban V ordered the removal of marble and peperino blocks from the upper portion of the church. These pieces were placed in a kiln and utilized to restore the Lateran Palace on the Caelian Hill.<\/p>\n<p>As the church oscillated in and out of use, the building would be repurposed for other means. In 1429, the chapels of the church were turned into the medical college, Universitas Aromatariorum, by Pope Martin V. It stayed this way for nearly a century until Charles V marched against Pope Clement VII and instigated the infamous sack of Rome in May 1527, taking and destroying all they could. Less than 10 years later, the site was disrupted again by Charles V, but for a different reason.<\/p>\n<p>In 1540, the chapels surrounding the church, which had lasted over 500 years, were torn down along with nearly 200 peasant houses that were located in the Roman Forum. Pope Paul III gave these orders to prepare the city for a visit from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, who was appointed as such by Pope Clement VII in 1530. Pope Paul III wanted to clear the processional avenue from the Arch of Titus to the Arch of Septimus Severus to honor the emperor for his victory in Tunis. Here we see the constant push and pull between Rome\u2019s alluring history and the demands of the present. While the geography of the forum was adapted to fit the needs of the state, there is still a pull for Rome to connect with its ancestral roots. Once Charles V had obtained a victory for Rome, the Pope was quick to demolish hundreds of residential spaces to make room for the now ancient ritual ceremony of the emperors&#8217; military accomplishments.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_309\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-309\" style=\"width: 339px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"254\" class=\"wp-image-309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-65x49.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-225x169.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/columnstuff.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-309\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 8. Front view of the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina. &#8220;Temple of Antoninus and Faustina&#8221; by Tirch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the four middle columns in front of the temple, there are two grooves at the top. Some say these indicate a failed attempt at bringing the columns down to demolish the temple. Others argue that the groves were made from one of the three chapel roofs previously mentioned that lined the exterior of the temple.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_299\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-299\" style=\"width: 332px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"332\" height=\"247\" class=\"wp-image-299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-1024x762.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-768x571.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-1536x1142.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-65x48.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-225x167.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print-350x260.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/print.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-299\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 9. Print of the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina in the 18th century. &#8220;Tempel van Antoninus en Faustina te Rome Veduta del Tempio di Antonino e Faustina in Campo Vaccino (titel op object) Gezichten op Rome (serietitel) Vedute di Roma disegnate ed incise da Giambattista Piranesi architett, RP-P-1941-626&#8221; by Rijksmuseum is marked with CC0 1.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the 16th century there was a flourish of urban renewal as Rome came out of the other end of centuries of attacks. In 1578, a school of pharmacology and healing was placed within the remains of the church&#8217;s main room. Gardens covered the space that used to house the Basilica Aemilia, which used to neighbor the temple.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout various excavations, there have been various pedestals of statues that were discovered and multiple remodelings of the church. In 1602, the inside of the church underwent its final remodeling on the orders of Pope Paul III.\u00a0 Orazio Turriani was employed to create a Baroque-style church within the temple&#8217;s remains. It was turned into a single-nave structure with lateral chapels. This is the building that exists in the Roman Forum today.<\/p>\n<h3>Surroundings<\/h3>\n<p>Instead of being placed in the Campus Martius, where other imperial shrines were located, the temple was built in the Roman Forum, along the Via Sacra. It is located next to the temple of Romulus and across from the Temple of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins. At the time of its creation, two highly regarded and active religious sites. Additionally, its entrance faced the side of the temple to Caesar, one of the few emperors whose temples were located in the Roman Forum. Its placement in the forum and proximity to other temples of great significance speak to the great admiration the Roman senate and state likely had for Antoninus and Faustina.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_294\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-294\" style=\"width: 772px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"772\" height=\"545\" class=\"wp-image-294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-65x46.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-225x159.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map-350x247.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/map.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-294\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 10. Roman Forum map with the Temple to Antoninus Pius and Faustina highlighted in red.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Ancient Literary Sources<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_234\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-234\" style=\"width: 420px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"278\" class=\"wp-image-234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-65x43.jpg 65w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-225x149.jpg 225w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k-350x232.jpg 350w, https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/files\/2025\/04\/33093245395_3e19a6536a_k.jpg 2047w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-234\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 11. Close up view of the inscription on the front of the temple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The dedicatory inscription on the architrave of the temple is one of the only surviving ancient literary sources. Due to the constant plundering and neglect of the site, little architectural evidence remains. The inscription along the front of the temple reads, DIVO ANTONINO ET DIVAE FAVSTINAE EX S.C., which translates to \u2018for deified Antonino and the deified Faustina by decree of the Senate\u2019. The second line of the inscription in dedication to Faustina was believed to have originally been the first line. Upon the death of Antoninus, his dedication was written as the first line, and Faustina\u2019s dedication was rewritten in a smaller font underneath this.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>This site has undergone many identities since it was first built. Beginning as the first temple in the Roman Forum dedicated to the deification of an Empress, undergoing conversion into a Christian church, living through numerous plunderings, serving as a school of pharmacology and healing, being transformed back into a church, and now sitting in the Roman Forum as a monument of Roman history, this building is the embodiment of Roman history. Its versatility speaks to the Romans&#8217; ability to adapt their surroundings to their needs, but also emphasizes their connection to the golden age of the Roman Empire. Regardless of what setbacks ensue, the people&#8217;s connection to a once indestructible empire serves as a reminder of the strength of the state.<\/p>\n<h3>Bibliography<\/h3>\n<p>Coarelli, Filippo. <i>Rome and environs: An archaeological guide<\/i>. University of California Press, 2014.<\/p>\n<p>Fulford, Eric. \u201cA Temple Through Time.\u201d <i>Archaeology<\/i> 47, no. 5 (1994): 54\u201359. http:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/41766478.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIntroduction.\u201d Omeka RSS. Accessed April 23, 2025. http:\/\/omeka.wellesley.edu\/piranesi-rome\/exhibits\/show\/temple-of-antoninus-and-fausti\/introduction.<\/p>\n<p>Mattingly, Harold. \u201cThe Consecration of Faustina the Elder and Her Daughter.\u201d <i>Harvard Theological Review<\/i> 41, no. 2 (April 1948): 147\u201351. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/s0017816000019428.<\/p>\n<p>McIntyre, Gwynaeth. \u201cCHAPTER 4 Female Divinities: The Divae and Their Priests.\u201d Essay, 2016.<\/p>\n<div class=\"csl-bib-body\">\n<div data-csl-entry-id=\"defffc10-4849-3055-8e03-e517cf06656f\" class=\"csl-entry\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"menu_order":11,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"A War Between the Roman Empire, Christianity, and Pillaging","pb_authors":["idonatell"],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[72],"license":[],"class_list":["post-35","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-idonatell"],"part":77,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/35","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/35\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":755,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/35\/revisions\/755"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/77"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/35\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=35"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=35"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openpress.digital.conncoll.edu\/religionsofgreeceandromesitereports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=35"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}