Temple of SaturnReeves Oyster

LocationThe temple of Saturn is located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill.

The Capitoline Hill was said to be the home of Saturn, so the temple was built at the western end of the Forum Romanum.

The temple was also connected to the older Altar of Saturn. 

Who Built ItThe Consul Titus Lartius built the first temple in 497 BC.

However, then Lucious Munatius Plancus completely reconstructed it in 42 BC.

When Was It BuiltThe first was built roughly around 497 BC under the rule of Tarquinius Superbus, however that date is debated between historians.

Then it was redone in 42 BC. 

Why Was It Built?To worship Saturn and also thank the god for teaching the Roman people agriculture and other peaceful skills. 

Importance of the TempleThe temple contained bronze tablets where Roman law was inscribed.

Saturn ruled during the Golden Age so he is associated with wealth, therefore the temple housed the treasury (aerarium) where the Roman Republics silver and gold were held.

The Temple also held state archives, the insignia, and the official scale for measuring precious metal.

Finally, the Temple was the focus of the December festival of Saturnalia.

Ancient Temple

Temple of Saturn Now

Saturn

Photo Bibliographyhttp://www.historvius.com/temple-of-saturn-714/

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~rauhn/roman_places.htm

http://catalog.lambertvillelibrary.org/texts/History/smith/images/047.jpg

http://www.jwave.vt.edu/~rkriz/Presentations/SantaMaria/resources/cvrproj.html

 http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-temple-of-saturn Taken by Nicholas Thompson

Information Bibliography"Sacred Destinations." Temple of Saturn. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.

The Story of the Temple of Saturn. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.

"Temple of Saturn." Historic Sites. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.

"The Temple of Saturn." Temple of Saturn. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.

"Temple of Saturn." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.