Temple of Mercury, Roman temple on Aventine Hill, Rome, Italy
The Temple of Mercury sits on the slope of Aventine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus, the venue for ancient Rome's chariot races. The building used four herms as supports instead of traditional columns, topped by an architrave with a curved pediment design.
Founded in 495 BC by centurion M. Plaetorius, it was among Rome's earliest temple structures. The sanctuary remained in active use until the 3rd century, serving as a place of worship for many generations.
The temple served as a gathering place for merchants during the Ides of May, when traders brought offerings for successful commerce and safe journeys. This practice showed how deeply Mercury was connected to business life in the city.
The site sits on a hillside with views toward the arena, so wear sturdy shoes for walking the uneven ground. Allow time to take in the surrounding landscape and understand how the temple related to the broader Roman monuments nearby.
The four herms used as structural supports were an unusual choice that demonstrated creative building design. This architectural solution made the temple an experimental take on how to support a roof.
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