Temple of Divus Claudius

The Temple of the Divine Claudius, located on the Caelian Hill in Rome, is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Rome, dedicated to Emperor Claudius after his death and deification. Its construction began under the direction of Claudius’ wife, Agrippina, immediately after his death in 54 AD. However, the temple underwent numerous changes and destructions in the following decades, reflecting the political turmoil of the time. The original temple was damaged in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD during the reign of Nero. Subsequently, Nero ordered the destruction of the temple, probably to make room for his new residence, the Domus Aurea, or to extend the Aqua Claudia aqueduct to the Caelian Hill. The decision to demolish the temple may have also been a symbolic act to distance himself from the deified predecessor. After Nero’s death and Vespasian’s ascension to the throne in 69 AD, the temple was rebuilt. Vespasian, known for his program of restorations and public constructions, wanted to restore the cult of Claudius, establishing an association dedicated to the worship of Claudius’ numen, known as the Augustales. These restorations not only rebuilt the temple, but also made it an important center for imperial worship. The architecture of the temple was monumental. The structure stood on a huge rectangular platform of 180 x 200 meters, supported by mighty retaining walls over 15 meters high, some of which are still visible today. The temple itself was built on a podium, accessible via a monumental staircase opening to the south, towards the Palatine Hill. This imposing entrance emphasized the importance of the site and its connection to the political and religious heart of Rome. The platform was likely decorated with equestrian statues of Claudius, although this detail is not certain. The temple walls were enriched with travertine columns, and some parts of these were reused in later buildings, such as the bell tower of the Basilica of Saints John and Paul on the Caelian Hill. One of the most interesting elements of the temple was the aqueduct built by Nero to bring water from the Claudia aqueduct to the Caelian Hill, known as the Arcus Neroniani. This aqueduct ended in a nymphaeum near the temple, testifying to the importance of water in Roman architecture and ritual. The temple experienced a gradual decline starting from the 4th century, with the advent of Christianity and the persecution of pagan cults. During the Middle Ages, many of its stones were reused to build other buildings, including the Palazzo San Marco under Pope Paul II in the 15th century. Today, the remains of the Temple of the Divine Claudius are partially visible in the area delimited by the streets Via Claudia, Viale del Parco del Celio, and Clivus Scauri. The best-preserved part is the eastern side, uncovered during the construction of Via Claudia in 1880. This side clearly shows the grandeur of the temple and the sophistication of Roman construction techniques.