The Architecture of Roman Temples: The Republic to the Middle Empire

by John Stamper

This book examines the development of Roman temple architecture from its earliest history in the sixth century BC to the reigns of Hadrian and the Antonines in the second century AD. John Stamper analyzes the temples' formal qualities, the public spaces in which they were located and, most importantly, the authority of precedent in their designs. He also traces Rome's temple architecture as it evolved over time and how it accommodated changing political and religious contexts, as well as the affects of new stylistic influences.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2008

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Roman Temples - but misleading title. This book focuses on a few important temples in the city of Rome. It is not an intro to or overview of Roman temples more broadly. He argues that the Capitoline Temple was smaller than many reconstruction plans assume, and argues that it had major stylistic influence (size, layout, decoration) on later temples in the city. He argues that stylistic linking of later temples to the Capitoline Temple carried significant political (propaganidistic) weight, and here he is correct.

Stamper makes a good case for reconsidering the original plan of the Capitoline Temple, and clearly traces some key architectural influences through time to the Temple of Hadrian & the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

I would have liked to see more plans of the city through time and more images of architectural remains to illustrate the verbal descriptions - not that the book is short on images! There are 162 images in the book, I just understand architecture (especially details of decorative elements) better with photos and/or drawings.

Important work for students of Roman religion, art & architecture, or material religion.