Temple of Vespasian

The Temple of Vespasian is a Roman ruin in Pompeii built on an elevated platform reached by stairs from the surrounding plaza. Its interior contains four columns supporting the sanctuary, with remains of an altar where religious ceremonies once took place.

The temple was constructed after the earthquake of 62 AD and survived until the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcanic material that buried the city preserved the structure, allowing archaeologists to excavate and study it centuries later.

This sanctuary occupied a central place in Pompeii's civic life, where residents gathered to express devotion and perform rituals. You can still see how the space was arranged to accommodate these communal religious moments.

The ruins are located within the excavated area of Pompeii and can be reached by walking through the ancient streets and pathways. Information boards at the site help explain the temple's layout and the purpose of each section.

The altar inside preserves carved relief scenes depicting sacrificial offerings, a detail rarely found so clearly elsewhere. These carvings provide direct visual evidence of Roman religious practices that would otherwise be known only through written sources.