Temple of Castor and Pollux
Temple of Castor and Pollux
|
|
| Location | Regione VIII Forum Romanum |
|---|---|
| Built in | 495 BC |
| Built by/for | Roman Republic |
| Type of structure | Roman Temple |
| Related | List of ancient monuments in Rome |
 Temple of Castor and Pollux
|
|
Coordinates: 41°53′29.88″N 12°29′8.74″E / 41.8916333°N 12.4857611°E
The Temple of Castor and Pollux (Italian: Tempio dei Dioscuri) is an ancient temple in the Roman Forum, Rome, central Italy. It was originally built in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus (495 BC). Castor and Pollux (Greek Polydeuces) were the Dioscuri, the "twins" of Gemini, the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leda. Their cult came to Rome from Greece via Magna Graecia and the Greek culture of Southern Italy.
The last king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, and his allies, the Latins, waged war on the infant Roman Republic. Before the battle, the Roman dictator Aulus Postumius Albus Regillensis vowed to build a temple to the Dioscuri if the Republic were victorious.
According to legend Castor and Pollux appeared on the battlefield as two able horsemen in aid of the Republic; and after the battle had been won they again appeared on the Forum in Rome watering their horses at the Spring of Juturna thereby announcing the victory. The temple stands on the supposed spot of their appearance.
...
Wikipedia