The Temple of Jupiter, located in Baalbek, Lebanon, is a monumental site that bears testament to the grandeur and complexity of Roman architecture. It was part of the Roman Heliopolis, a significant religious complex, and was dedicated to Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods. The temple, built during the 1st century AD, is characterized by its colossal dimensions, intricate stone carvings, and the impressive six remaining Corinthian columns. Despite the ravages of time and conflict, the Temple of Jupiter continues to captivate visitors with its imposing presence and historical significance.
Historical Places
Pyramid of Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient pyramid in Rome, Italy, near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. It was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Epulones religious corporation. Standing at 36.4 meters high, it is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. Its construction was completed in 12 BC and is unique in combining Egyptian and Roman architectural styles. The pyramid was incorporated into the fortifications of the city in the 3rd century AD and has since become a notable landmark in Rome.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall, named after Emperor Hadrian who commissioned it, is a remarkable historical monument that stretches across the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Constructed between AD 122 and 128, the wall spans approximately 73 miles from the east coast to the west coast of Northern England. It served as a military fortification, a symbol of Roman power, and a customs post for controlling trade and immigration. Today, it stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans and provides valuable insights into their occupation of Britain.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. The structure is a significant representation of the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire and has served various purposes throughout its history.
House of the Vestal Virgins
The House of the Vestal Virgins, known as the “Atrium Vestae” in Latin, was a significant location in ancient Rome. Situated in the Roman Forum, it served as the residence for the Vestal Virgins, priestesses of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. These women held a vital role in Roman society, tasked with maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta. The house, therefore, was not only a place of residence but also a central hub for religious activities. The House of the Vestal Virgins was an impressive complex, reflecting the high status of its inhabitants, and it remains an important archaeological site today.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, also known as the Herodeon, is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, it was originally a steep-sloped amphitheater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof, and was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. Despite its destruction by the Heruli in 267 AD, the Odeon was restored in the 1950s and today, it is a major venue for the Athens Festival, which runs from May to October each year, and hosts musical and theatrical performances.