Temples
Romans regarded temples as sacred
and holy places. They felt that temples were the homes of the gods. Each temple had a
god's statue that was kept deep within the temple. This statue was usually on top of a
heavy foundation and surrounded by colonnades. A flight of odd-numbered steps led to the
entrance of the temple.
Only priests serving the gods were
allowed inside the temples. Worshippers had to stay outside. The temple had an altar table
outside for sacrifices, gifts , and offerings.
Often temples had adjoining
buildings that were used as sanctuaries.
The Pantheon
Photo
courtesy and ©1997 Leo Curran, Maecenas: Images of
Ancient Greece and Rome
Photo
courtesy and ©1997 Leo Curran, Maecenas: Images of
Ancient Greece and Rome |
The Pantheon was a temple dedicated
to all the gods. It was built in Rome by Agrippa in 27 B. C. In 117-125 A. D. Emperor
Hadrian had the temple rebuilt. The original temple was rectangular with sixteen single
granite columns. The old part became the porch of the new structure. Hadrian had a dome
shaped top placed on the structure. The center of the dome was opened. The floor below the
opening is concave with a drain for rain water. The Pantheon has been used as a church
since 609 A. D. |
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