Temple of Romulus

The Temple of the Divine Romulus, located in the Roman Forum, is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating buildings of ancient Rome. Erected by Emperor Maxentius in the early 4th century AD, the temple was dedicated to his son Valerius Romulus, who died prematurely in 309 AD and was later deified. The structure, built to honor the memory of the young man, represents a significant example of late ancient architecture. The temple is located on the Via Sacra, between the square of the Roman Forum and the Arch of Titus, an area rich in history and significant monuments. Originally, it was thought to be dedicated to Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, but recent studies have clarified that the temple was actually dedicated to Maxentius’ son. From an architectural point of view, the Temple of the Divine Romulus is a circular building, with a concave facade featuring four niches originally intended to house statues. The central structure is topped by a dome, which has undergone several modifications over the centuries. The dome covering, in fact, has been partially renovated and is now crowned by a lantern added in modern times. One of the most fascinating features of the temple is its original bronze door from the imperial era, which is still perfectly functional. This door, flanked by two columns of red porphyry with Corinthian capitals, represents one of the best-preserved examples of Roman metallurgical craftsmanship. The door closing mechanism, which uses vertical and horizontal bars operated by a toothed wheel, is a testament to the ingenuity of the Romans. The interior of the temple shows traces of frescoes dating back to the transformation of the temple into the vestibule of the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian. These frescoes, although partly deteriorated, offer a glimpse into the decorative art of the late ancient period. The nave of the basilica opens onto the central structure of the temple, located at a lower level, allowing visitors to admire the grandeur of the ancient building integrated into the church. During the Middle Ages, the original function of the temple was forgotten and the building was mistakenly identified as the Temple of the Penates or of Jupiter Stator. This period of oblivion contributed to the preservation of the temple, which was incorporated into Christian structures, preserving it from the ravages of time. Maxentius, the last emperor to reside permanently in Rome, sought to restore the city to its ancient splendor through the construction and restoration of numerous public buildings. The Temple of the Divine Romulus was part of this ambitious urban renewal project. However, the temple was completed by Constantine after the defeat of Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Today, the Temple of the Divine Romulus is an integral part of the complex of the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian. The transformation of the pagan building into a Christian place of worship is a poignant example of the continuity and transformation of Roman structures through the centuries.