There’s life in the ruins!
Phew! Finishing up the Forum. Hopefully you are walking it with these posts in hand and are just as wowed as I was.
Tempio di Castore e Polluce, left, and Tempio di Vesta, right
Only three Corinthian columns remain from the Tempio di Castore e Polluce, built for the twin sons of Zeus and Leda to show gratitude for the victory in the Battle of Lake Regillus (495 B.C.) Allegedly, Castor and Pollux appeared on the battlefield as two able horsemen in aid of the Romans. After the battle had been won, they appeared watering their horses at the Spring of Jutuna, where the temple once stood.
The Tempio di Vesta’s (7th century B.C.) remains indicate that there were twenty Corinthian columns built around a circular footprint (all temples to Vesta were round and had entrances facing east to symbolize connection between Vesta’s fire and the sun as sources of life). Inside was a hearth which held a sacred flame.
Casa delle Vestali
The Casa delle Vestali, or Complex of Vestal Virgins was simultaneously like the Playboy Mansion and not at all like it. Young virgins came to live here for a minimum of 30 years each. They were selected from patrician families and typically arrived when they were between the ages of 6 and 10. They lived in the Atrium Vestae, a three-story, 50-room palace built around a pool. If a girl lost her virginity, she was buried alive.
Tempio di Romolo
Octagonal Tempio di Romolo still looks pretty good and has its original bronze door.
Basilica di Massenzio
Basilica di Massenzio was the largest building in the Forum, measuring 100 meters x 65 meters. It was used for business and the administration of justice.
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