Roman temple facts for kids

Roman temples were really important buildings in Ancient Rome. They were often built with many tall columns all around the outside. People used them for religious ceremonies and to honor gods or important people who had passed away.

What Were Roman Temples For?

Roman temples were not just pretty buildings. They were central to the daily lives and beliefs of the Romans.

Places of Worship

The main purpose of a Roman temple was to be a home for a god or goddess. Inside, there was usually a statue of the deity. People would visit to pray, offer gifts, and ask for help.

Important Ceremonies

Many important events happened at temples. Priests would perform special rituals and sacrifices. These ceremonies were often held outdoors, in front of the temple. They were a big part of Roman public life.

Honoring Important People

Sometimes, temples were built to honor emperors or heroes. This showed how much they were respected. It was a way to remember their achievements forever.

How Roman Temples Looked

Roman temples had a special style that made them easy to recognize. They often looked grand and impressive.

Columns and Design

Most Roman temples had many columns. These columns supported the roof and made the building look strong. Temples often sat on a high platform, with steps leading up to the entrance. This made them stand out.

Inside the Temple

The main room inside a temple was called the cella. This is where the statue of the god or goddess was kept. Only priests or important people usually went inside the cella. Regular people stayed outside for ceremonies.

Materials Used

Romans built their temples using strong materials. They used stone like marble and travertine. They also used concrete, which was a Roman invention. This helped their buildings last for a very long time.

Famous Roman Temples

Many Roman temples still stand today, showing us how amazing Roman builders were.

The Pantheon

One of the most famous Roman temples is the Pantheon in Rome. It was built to honor all the gods. Later, it became a church. It has a huge dome with a hole in the top called an oculus.

Temples Across the Empire

Romans built temples not just in Rome, but all over their empire. You can find Roman temple ruins in places like France, Croatia, and Lebanon. Each temple was a symbol of Roman power and culture.

Images for kids

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  The Maison Carrée in Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman temples. It was built to honor the Imperial family.

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  The Temple of Hercules Victor, in Rome, built in the 2nd century BC.

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  Roman temple of Alcántara, in Spain, a small temple built near an important bridge under Emperor Trajan.

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  Temple of Augustus in Pula, Croatia, an early temple for the Imperial cult.

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  Temple of Janus as seen in the present church of San Nicola in Carcere, in Rome.

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  A Roman mammisi or chapel added to Dendera Temple, using the traditional Egyptian temple style.

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  Temple of the Imperial cult at Vienne, France.

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  St Martin-in-the-Fields, London (1720), designed by James Gibbs. This is a later building inspired by Roman temples.

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  La Madeleine, Paris (1807), now a church, also inspired by Roman temple design.

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  The Temple of Neptune at the Monrepos Park in Vyborg, Russia.

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  Relief of Marcus Aurelius sacrificing at a temple.

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  Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek, Lebanon.

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  View of the Temple of Romulus, from the Palatine Hill.

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  The Temple of Apollo in Pompeii. Mount Vesuvius is in the background.

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  Roman temple of Vic, Spain, partly original and partly restored.

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  Ceiling of Temple of Jupiter, Diocletian's Palace, Split.

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  Reconstruction of Pagans Hill Roman Temple, Somerset, a Romano-Celtic temple.

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  Temple of Saturn, Roman Forum, with 8 impressive columns still standing.

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  Capitoleum of Dougga, Tunisia.

See also

In Spanish: Templo romano para niños