Temple of Marcus Aurelius, Roman temple ruins near Piazza Colonna, Rome, Italy
The Temple of Marcus Aurelius was a Roman shrine that stood beside the Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna. The structure vanished over the centuries, leaving only historical records as evidence of its former existence.
The temple was built in the 2nd century following the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius to honor the ruler and philosopher. His son Commodus commissioned the shrine and had Marcus Aurelius subsequently deified for public worship.
The temple served as a place where Romans honored and made offerings to their deceased emperor. Its location beside the column created a shared space for remembering Marcus Aurelius and his reign.
The site sits on the busy Piazza Colonna in central Rome, where the Column of Marcus Aurelius remains visible today. To understand the history of the vanished temple, visiting a museum or walking around the square provides helpful context.
The precise location of the temple was revealed through ancient texts and inscriptions showing it stood directly beside the column. These historical sources allow visitors today to imagine the layout and significance of the lost building.
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