Temple of Saturn

Located in what is now Rome, Italy, the Temple of Saturn was a pagan temple built by the Romans to honor the god Saturn. At the westernmost point of the Roman Forum, its ruins are located at the base of Capitoline Hill. The traditional dating of the temple's founding dedication places it around 497 BC, but there is much debate among ancient writers on this location's past.

It is believed that the temple's construction got underway during Tarquinius Superbus' later years as ruler of the Roman Kingdom. After the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, it was dedicated by the consul Titus Larcius during the early years of the Republic, making it the oldest Republican temple. It's believed that the altar of Saturn, which was located in front of the temple, was built when the city of Capitoline Hill was first established by Saturn. Munatius Plancus entirely rebuilt the temple around 42 BC.

The Temple of Saturn was constructed after a fire in 360 CE, and the current remains are part of its third phase. The inscription that is still visible on the frieze honors this post-fire renovation. This late fifth-century construction illustrates the pagan revivalism of the time. One of the most recognizable representations of Rome's old architectural legacy is the pediment and eight remaining columns. All of the remaining components were acquired from other structures, with the exception of the Late Antique Ionic column capitals. Egyptian granite column shafts and a late Republican acanthus frieze are two examples of Spolia found in the Temple of Saturn.