Temple of Hercules Victor

The Temple of Hercules Victor, located in Piazza della Bocca della Verità in Rome, is one of the oldest monuments in the city, dating back to 120 BC. This circular temple, often confused in the past with the Temple of Vesta because of its shape, is an extraordinary example of Roman architecture with strong Greek influences. Commissioned by the merchant Marcus Octavius Herennius, the temple was dedicated to Hercules, the protector of oil merchants, a corporation of olive oil merchants, and a symbol of strength and protection for traders. The temple’s location in the Forum Boarium, an area dedicated to the trade of livestock, emphasizes the importance of Hercules as a deity associated with commerce and the transhumance of flocks. The temple is characterized by a monopteros structure, a circular building with a single row of columns. It has a diameter of about 14.8 meters and is built of Pentelic marble imported from Greece. The twenty columns, each 10.6 meters high, have Corinthian capitals. These architectural elements clearly reflect the influence of Greek styles, particularly from the late Hellenistic period. The construction of the temple is attributed to the Greek architect Hermogenes of Salamis, known for designing other important works in Rome. His skill is evident in the precision and elegance of the temple’s architectural details, which stand out for their harmony and proportion. The base of the temple is made up of rings of blocks of cappellaccio and tufa from Grotta Oscura, typical materials of Roman construction. The temple stands on a solid foundation that includes a crepidoma, a stepped base without the traditional Italic podium, a feature denoting Greek influence. The cylindrical cella, open to the east, was decorated with a high plinth and frescoes, while the cella floor features a favissa, a deep tholos-shaped well used to store sacred objects. During the Tiberian era, the temple underwent significant restorations, especially after the flood of 15 AD. These restorations ensured the preservation of the temple, which was later transformed into a church in the Middle Ages. Consecrated in 1132 as Saint Stephen of the Carriages, the temple was later dedicated to Santa Maria del Sole in the 17th century, after the discovery of a Madonna image near the Tiber. The temple inspired many circular churches during the Renaissance, testifying to its architectural and cultural importance. The building was officially recognized as an ancient monument in 1935 and underwent further restorations, including those carried out by Giuseppe Valadier during the French government of Rome (1809-1814). Valadier removed the medieval additions, restoring the damaged roof and columns. Today, the Temple of Hercules Victor represents an exceptional example of ancient Roman architecture, combining Greek and Roman elements. Its history, spanning over two millennia, reflects the political, religious, and cultural transformations of Rome, making it a site of great interest for scholars and visitors. Its picturesque location next to the Cloaca Maxima and the Temple of Portunus, in the heart of the Forum Boarium, adds further charm to this ancient monument. The historical and architectural importance of the Temple of Hercules Victor makes it a must-visit for those wishing to explore the roots of Roman greatness and understand the evolution of its architecture through the centuries.