Temple of Hercules Victor

Welcome to the Forum Boarium, pronounced FOR-um boh-AH-ree-um. Situated on the banks of the Tiber River, just a short walk from the more famous Roman Forum, this open, dusty square was the oldest and most vital commercial hub in…

To understand why a magnificent temple to Hercules stands in a cattle market, we must delve into one of Rome's oldest foundation myths. According to legend, long before the city of Rome was even founded, Hercules was returning…

Take a close look at the columns surrounding the circular inner sanctuary. There are twenty of them in total, soaring eight meters high, crowned with elaborate Corinthian capitals. …

While the gleaming Greek marble commands our attention, we must look down to appreciate the ingenious engineering that has allowed this structure to survive for over two millennia. Examine the base, or the podium, upon which the…

For centuries, extending well into the Renaissance and the Romantic era of the Grand Tour, this beautiful monument suffered from an enduring case of mistaken identity. Because of its elegant, circular shape, nearly every…

How did a fragile, circular marble temple from the second century BC survive the fall of the Roman Empire, the brutal barbarian invasions, and the scavenging of the Middle Ages, when almost every other pagan monument was ripped…

Before we depart, turn your gaze slightly to the north, just across the open plaza. Standing in close proximity to the round temple of Hercules is another remarkably preserved, rectangular ancient structure: the Temple of…

Our visit to the Temple of Hercules Victor in the Forum Boarium concludes. As you take one final look at the elegant ring of Greek marble columns, reflect on the incredible journey of this small, resilient building. …