The Architecture of Roman Temples
The Republic to the Middle Empire

This book traces the development of Roman temple architecture.

John W. Stamper (Author)

9780521723718, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 January 2008

304 pages, 162 b/w illus. 7 tables
27.2 x 21.3 x 1.4 cm, 0.71 kg

"this study should be applauded for drawing our attention back to the Capitoline temple's significance for ancient architectural history, as well as providing an admirable presentation of temples in Rome from Tarquinius Priscus through the Antonines." - John Robert Senseney, Northern Illinois University, American Journal of Archaeology

This book examines the development of Roman temple architecture from its earliest history in the sixth century BC to the reigns of Hadrian and the Antonines in the second century AD. Although archaeologists, architects, and historians have studied the temples of this period since the Renaissance, this book is unique for its specific analysis of Roman temples as a building type. John Stamper analyzes their formal qualities, the public spaces in which they were located and, most importantly, the authority of precedent in their designs. The basis of that authority was the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, the city's first and most important temple. Stamper challenges the accepted reconstruction of this temple, proposing a new reconstruction, and assessing its role in the transformation of Rome. He also traces Rome's temple architecture as it evolved over time and how it accommodated changing political and religious contexts, as well as the effects of new stylistic influences.

Introduction: the authority of precedent
1. Building the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus
2. A new reconstruction of the temple
3. Etrusco-Roman temples of the Early Republic
4. Assimilation of Hellenistic architecture after the Punic Wars
5. The Corinthian Order in the First Century B.C.
6. Architecture and ceremony in the time of Pompey and Julius Caesar
7. Rebuilding Rome in the time of Augustus
8. Augustus and the Temple of Mars Ultor
9. Temples and fora of the Flavian Emperors
10. Trajan's Forum
11. Hadrian's Pantheon
12. Hadrian and the Antonines.

Subject Areas: Religious buildings [AMN]