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.
Hellenistic Monarchies Inspire
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.Sulla Commissioning History
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.