Posted by Shazarch on 07 May 2022
Temple of Hadrian
145 CE, Rome
Archaeological site
The Temple of Hadrian, dedicated by Emperor Antoninus Pius in honor of his deified predecessor, was a significant religious structure within the Campus Martius of ancient Rome. Constructed in 145 CE, the temple was an architectural testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, featuring an external colonnade of 11 Corinthian columns, marble coverings, and reliefs depicting the empire's provinces. Over centuries, the temple faced decline, with many of its elements falling into ruin by the 17th century. In 1695, it underwent a transformation as it was integrated into a papal palace, preserving its facade and columns. By 1831, the edifice had been repurposed to house the Rome Stock Exchange, and it currently serves as the premises for the local chamber of commerce. Despite the changes, remnants of the temple's cella remain discernible within the modern establishment. The original decorative reliefs, once a celebration of Rome's military conquests, have been relocated to various museums and collections in Rome and Naples.