THE TWIN TEMPLES

The forum district of Augusta Prætoria was divided into two main areas: the lower square with its shops (tabernæ), the curia and the basilica, and the raised sacred terrace, dominated by a pair of identical temples: an urban model which was fairly in vogue in the western provinces of the Roman Empire between the late 1st century BCE and the mid-1st century CE. The temples, opening towards south and standing on a single platform, were accessible via a double stairway at the front; the façade, marked by six mighty Corinthian columns, reached a height of around 17 metres. These sacred buildings must therefore have towered above the ancient urban landscape, establishing themselves as the emblematic point of reference of the most sacred public area of the city. Based on epigraphs found dating from the past as well as studies and recent discussions, the two temples must have been dedicated to the deified Augustus and the goddess Roma.
The current layout of Piazza San Giovanni XXIII allows us to appreciate the actual size of the two sacred buildings as the outline of their shape is clearly marked using different coloured paving.