Temple of Fortuna Primigenia
The sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia occupies a series of six vast terraces. These terraces rest on gigantic masonry substructures and connect to each other by grand staircases. They rise one above the other on the hill in Praeneste, now known as Palestrina. This immense edifice stands east of Rome. It was probably the largest Roman sanctuary ever built. The structure presented an imposing aspect visible from Latium, Rome, and even the sea. The great Cortina terrace featured porticoes on three sides. It led up to the theatre's cavea which also crowned with porticoes. A small circular temple topped off the sanctuary today inside the Palazzo Colonna Barberini. That temple hosted a gilded bronze statue of goddess Fortuna represented as a young warrior.
From about 175 BC to 50 BC monumental sanctuaries appeared across Latium. Examples include sites at Tibur, Nemi, and Terracina. The inspiration for this integrated urbanistic design came not from republican Rome. It originated in Hellenistic monarchies of the eastern Mediterranean. Sanctuaries like those at Delos and Kos served as models. Roman architects innovated through massive use of opus caementicium. This material enabled construction of enormous and daring buildings. The monumentalisation dates to the late second century BC. Great architects worked in Rome and Italy between the end of the 2nd and beginning of the 1st century BC. Their motivation likely stemmed from groups seeking social recognition after exploiting Roman imperialism during wars in the East. These projects foreshadowed the grandiose Imperial style of the following generation.
The history spans from about 175 BC until 50 BC. Sulla may have commissioned further monumentalisation around 80 BC. He created a Colonia there to give thanks to Fortuna. This act commemorated his victory over Gaius Marius. Marius was a Roman general and seven-time consul. Inscriptions mention restoration executed by two local magistrates during Sullan times. In the fifteenth century supporting arches were bricked up. The cryptoporticus transformed into a cistern explaining the well today in the theatre. Waterfalls flowed from vaults with traces of piping systems still visible. Two big niches stood at far ends of six arches slightly projecting from portico front. They were not joined to the cryptoporticus behind.
A double cult existed here involving Fortuna and an olive tree. Honey was believed to ooze from that sacred olive tree. Cicero described this phenomenon in De Divinatione II, 41.85-87. The sanctuary merged two sanctuaries at end of second century BC. First cult located in terrace of hemicycles particularly eastern one with well. Second cult centre sat further up with main temple. Goddess Fortuna bore epithet Primigenia meaning first born. She appeared suckling two babes like Jupiter and Juno. Matrons especially worshipped her. An oracle consulted lots picked as described by Cicero. Wooden tablets called sortes foretold future. Oracle continued until Christian times when Constantine forbade practice. Later Theodosius I closed the temple entirely.
Lower terraces south of via del Borgo linked Forum area to upper Sanctuary. These areas enlivened by many water displays. Upper terrace fountains imitated natural caves dating from end third to beginning second century BC. They represent oldest examples of kind in Italy. Lower terrace supported wall in polygonal masonry. It decorated another nymphaeum inside artificial cave perhaps surrounded by sacred wood. Cryptoporticus formed barrel vaulted passage integral part of sanctuary. It linked wings of Corinthian columns flanking three sides terrace. Six supporting arches held structure together. Mosaic floor partially preserved made irregular tesserae alternating chips polychrome stones. Outside supporting arches stood Ionic semicolumns. Two big niches stood at far ends six arches slightly projecting from portico front.
Features influenced Roman garden design on steeply sloped sites through Antiquity. Italian villa gardens adopted these features again from fifteenth century onward. Monument to Victor Emmanuel II in Rome owes much to site. Palazzo Barberini occupies upper part sanctuary with theatre. Model shows eastern exedra clearly. Opus scutulatum floor from semicircular colonnade above theatre remains visible today. Traces of piping system still exist within walls. Inscriptions here mention restoration executed by two local magistrates in Sullan times. The entire complex stands as work high technical and stylistic level. It remains one of most imposing aspects visible from great part Latium, Rome, even sea.
Common questions
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.
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.
All sources
1 references cited across the entry
- 1bookUnderstanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and MeaningLeland M. Roth — Westview Press — 1993