Temple of Saturn

The Temple of Saturn was one of the earliest temples built in the Forum. Dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, this temple dates back to around 498 BCE and housed the state treasury during the Republic. It had gone under some rebuilds since its conception, as it was rebuilt in 42 CE and then again after 283 CE. 

Architecturally, this temple consisted of ionic order columns all with Egyptian granite shafts, where the six on its facade were made from gray Mons Claudianus granite and the two on the side were made from pink Aswan granite. The capitals on these columns were made from Thasian marble and were carved in the Late Antique style, while the inner face of the architrave contains an ionic frieze of acanthus leaves and palmettes that came from a previous temple on the site and an inscription that states “Destroyed by fire, restored by the Senate and People of Rome” on the outer face.

This temple once had a cult statue of Saturn that held significance during the Saturnalia. This festival was held every 17th of December, and it was especially important for slaves because they were given the freedoms enjoyed by free citizens—Saturn, a god also associated with liberation, thus, became an important feature of it. As well, people would give gifts to one another, would wear more informal clothing instead of togas, and would participate in rounds of partying and merrymaking.

1. Cartwright, Mark . “Redirect Notice.” Www.google.com, 6 Dec. 2013, www.google.com/url?q=www.worldhistory.org/article/636/temple-of-saturn-rome/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1714142605568380&usg=AOvVaw2TLma7_X6g8U0xfPwK1R8k. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
2. Claridge, Amanda. 2010. Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. 2nd ed., revised and expanded. Oxford: Oxford University Press., pp. 83-84.