Emperor Vespasian stood before the ruins of Jerusalem in 70 CE. He had just won a brutal war against Jewish rebels. The Roman army carried away vast treasures from the conquered city. These spoils would fund a new monument in Rome. Vespasian needed to show his power after years of civil conflict. The Temple of Peace served as a symbol of stability for the empire. It promised peace and prosperity under his rule. Statues and artifacts from Greece and Asia Minor filled its halls. Pliny the Elder recorded that Nero had moved these works to his Domus Aurea earlier. Now they rested in this grand complex. The temple was not a political forum like others. It lacked evidence of serving administrative functions. Instead it honored Pax, the goddess of peace. This choice reflected Vespasian's desire to project strength through culture rather than force.
The Spoils of Jerusalem
A seven-branched menorah stood inside the temple complex. It came directly from the Jerusalem Temple. Alongside it sat the Table of Shewbread. These objects were taken during the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. They became central displays within the new building. The funds for construction came entirely from sacking Jerusalem. The Roman army collected these items as part of their victory. Their presence transformed the space into a trophy hall. Visitors could see the results of imperial conquest firsthand. The historian Procopius later wrote about emerald-encrusted treasures looted by Alaric I. Scholar Robert Coates-Stephens believes these belonged to Solomon. He argues they must have been stored here originally. Flavian's original booty formed the core collection. No other Roman site displayed such specific religious artifacts so prominently. The display reinforced the message of total Roman dominance over Judea.