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Temple of Saturn

At the western end of the Roman Forum, eight smooth-shafted columns and part of the entablature are still standing, probably from the 4th-century restoration, on a large concrete podium faced with travertine. On the frieze you can read the inscription recording the rebuilding of the temple after it was consumed by fire. Beneath that imperial podium the Republican tufa foundations survive, and the site marks the point where the Clivus Capitolinus, the ancient ascent to the Capitoline Hill, begins. The temple was also the seat of the treasury, where the gold and silver reserves and the state archives were kept, and its dedication was linked to 17 December, the first day of the Saturnalia.

Things to do at Temple of Saturn: 5 missions

• See the acanthus frieze from the late RepublicLook at the acanthus frieze from the late Republic among the reused materials of the temple.
• Examine the Ionic column capitals carved in late antique styleExamine the Ionic column capitals carved in Late Antique style among the materials of the temple.
• See the eight surviving columnsLook at the eight surviving columns of the temple next to the pediment.
• See the temple podiumSee the temple podium, built of concrete faced with travertine.
• Take in the partially preserved pedimentSee the partially preserved pediment and its inscription.

Near Temple of Saturn