Posted by Shazarch on 18 Mar 2021
Sacellum of Venus Cloacina
Roman Forum, Rome
Archaeological site
The Sacellum of Venus Cloacina was a small sacred site in the Roman Forum dedicated to the Etruscan goddess Cloacina. Near the sacellum, significant events in Roman mythology took place, such as the laying down of arms for peace between the Romans and Sabines, and the killing of Virginia by her father to preserve her virtue. Today, only a circular marble base remains to the west of the Basilica Aemilia's steps. Archaeologists have reconstructed the sacellum's appearance based on a representation on a coin issued during the Second Triumvirate, depicting a small open-air structure with a low circular metal enclosure containing two cult statues.