Where is the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia located?
The sanctuary occupies a hill in Praeneste, now known as Palestrina. It stands east of Rome and was visible from Latium, Rome, and even the sea.
Questions about Temple of Fortuna Primigenia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia built?
Monumental sanctuaries appeared across Latium from about 175 BC to 50 BC. The monumentalisation dates to the late second century BC with work continuing until the beginning of the first century BC.
Who commissioned further work on the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia around 80 BC?
Sulla may have commissioned further monumentalisation around 80 BC. He created a Colonia there to give thanks to Fortuna after his victory over Gaius Marius.
What materials were used to build the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia?
Roman architects innovated through massive use of opus caementicium. This material enabled construction of enormous buildings including six supporting arches and barrel vaulted passages.
Why did people worship at the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia?
Matrons especially worshipped goddess Fortuna who bore the epithet Primigenia meaning first born. An oracle consulted wooden tablets called sortes to foretell the future until Christian times when Constantine forbade the practice.