Temple of Vesta, Roman temple in Roman Forum, Italy
The Temple of Vesta is a Roman sanctuary in the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. The round layout with a diameter of roughly 50 feet (15 meters) shows marble columns surrounding an open interior space where the sacred hearth once stood at the center.
The sanctuary dates back to the 7th century BC when King Numa Pompilius founded it. The building burned down several times and was rebuilt, most recently under Emperor Septimius Severus at the end of the 2nd century AD.
The sanctuary sheltered a flame that was never allowed to go out, serving as a symbol for the continuity of Rome. Six Vestals from noble families devoted themselves to this service for thirty years and lived right beside the round temple.
Access to the ruin is through the main entrance to the Roman Forum, where information panels are also located. The circular structure is best viewed from the path running along the southern side of the forum.
Unlike most Roman sanctuaries, this temple housed no statue of a deity but only the central hearth with the enduring fire. The round form stands in contrast to the rectangular design of other ancient temples in the forum.
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