When I visited Rome in 1974, I recall some very ancient temples along the Tiber. They had cement between the columns to prevent their collapse.
I think they were near the Temple of Portuna (aka Fortuna Virilis).
Any idea exactly where they are located? I can't find them on my Streetwise Rome map.
Thanks.
My first guess was the Temple of Protunus and the mysterious round temple next to it that is usually attributed to Vesta (but probably isn't for her). Both no longer have cement between the columns (and I'm not sure if they ever did) but are ancient for Roman standards in that they date to the Republican period.
There are three victory temples that have been incorporated into San Nicola in Carcere along the same stretch of the Tiber, all dating from the Republican period but with evidence of rebuilding in the Imperial period. There is brick between the columns, perhaps this is what you recall?
There is an archaic temple in the area (pre-Republican, maybe that qualifies as very ancient?) but it is buried underground, so I don't think you saw it. If you did, I'm very, very jealous!
If you can't find your answer here, you may want to check out the Oxford Archeological Guide to Rome, if there is an ancient block in Rome, they document it!
It may be that what you're looking for is shown in this photoclick here not what's behind the person in the photo but to the right in the background. Find the Templo di Vesta and look to the right and you'll see it.If you have a GPS, the coordinates of the structure I'm referring to (the one in the right background) are: latitude 41.889168°, longitude 12.480870°, that will get you within 10 feet of it.
Thank you both, for those are the temples I saw!
No need to be jealous about me seeing anything underground...our tour was a drive-by.
But the guide told us that the temples were very old, possibly as old as the founding.
