What is the Oldest Building in Ancient Rome?
Ancient Rome was one of the most influential and powerful cities of the ancient world. It is renowned for its art, architecture and magnificent monuments that still stand today. Among the best-preserved monuments are buildings which are among Rome’s oldest and most impressive buildings, some of which have survived the ravages of time and have been standing for thousands of years.
Rome’s oldest buildings are mostly dating back centuries before the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 B.C. One of the oldest buildings in Rome is the Temple of Saturn, which was constructed in 498 B.C. Believed to have been built during Rome’s first official government, this temple was dedicated to the god Saturn and was known as the temple site of the early state cult.
The Temple of Vesta near the Roman Forum is another ancient building of note. This temple is even older than the Temple of Saturn and dates back to at least the 7th century BC. This temple was dedicated to Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and home, and its walls have stood for centuries. It is believed to have been the sacrificial site of the Vestal Virgins, Roman priestesses who served Vesta.
The Basilica of Maxentius, also known as the Basilica Nova, is the oldest surviving basilica in Rome. This immense marble building was commissioned by Maxentius, son of former Roman Emperor Maximian in 308 BC. Still intact after centuries of use, the basilica features a large hall with niches, a twin arch and a tremendous west facing arch.
Though it is no longer standing, the Porticus Galbae was another one of Rome’s oldest buildings. Constructed in 181 B.C., the Porticus served as a center for religious ceremonies, political events and was a building where senators used to meet. The Porticus was one of many grandiose buildings in Rome that no longer remain today.
Forum Boarium
One of the most iconic and oldest buildings in Ancient Rome is the Forum Boarium, or cattle market. This large complex, the oldest known open-air market in Rome, was built in the 5th century BC and used as the city’s main marketplace. The Forum Boarium was adorned with a mix of barracks, storefronts and shrines that sold different commodities such as horses, cattle and fish.
Though the market has largely been eliminated over time, parts of the ancient structure remain as evidence of what was once a bustling center of commerce and trade. The Forum Boarium is widely seen today as a centerpiece in Rome’s history and culture.
When it comes to the oldest buildings in Ancient Rome, one name that stands out is the Arch of Titus. This huge structure was constructed around 82 AD by the Roman emperor Domitian, a combination of the triumphal arch and a gateway in honor of his father, Emperor Titus. It remains one of the best-preserved Roman monuments and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The Pantheon, a temple of all gods, is one of the most prominent buildings in Rome and is also one of the oldest. This stunning and grand building was first built by Agrippa in 27BC and is dedicated to all the gods of classical paganism. This temple, though it has been restored multiple times in its lifetime, still stands with its impressive and beautiful arches, domes and columns, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Temple of Venus and Roma
The Temple of Venus and Roma is one of the most significant monuments in Rome and one of the legacies of Ancient Rome. Built by Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, the temple was constructed over the ruins of Nero’s Golden House and was first dedicated to the goddess Venus and the goddess of the city RPC, Roma. The temple featured two semi-circular courts and a large fountain and was a popular destination in Ancient Roman times.
The ruins of the Roman Forum, located near the Arch of Titus, is a huge and impressive site of ruins built over centuries. These ruins, which include ancient law courts, goddess statues, altars and pillars, are among some of the oldest remaining artifacts of Ancient Rome. Some of the most notable ruins in the Roman Forum are the temple of Julius Caesar, the temple of Vesta and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic and recognizable buildings, and is also one of the oldest. Built in 72AD, the Colosseum was designed as an amphitheater to host entertainment events and gladiatorial fights. It was able to accommodate up to 50,000 people in its heyday and is still partially intact, its exterior walls and a part of the arcade still visible.
The Temple of Hercules Victor
The Temple of Hercules Victor, also known as the Temple of Hercules Olivarius, is one of the oldest temples in Rome. This temple, located near the Forum Boarium, dates back to the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to the god of strength and courage, Hercules. This ancient temple is made from a white marble called Numidian and is one of the few that remain intact from the Roman Republic period.
The Temple of Portunus along the Tiber river is also among the oldest existing temples in Rome. This ancient temple, dedicated to Portunus, the god of keys and doors, was first built in the mid 6th century BC and was quite popular in Roman times. The temple is located in the Forum Boarium and since its construction has been used for different activities. It is still accessible to visitors today.
Though most of Ancient Rome’s oldest buildings are now ruins, a few noteworthy structures still stand and serve as reminders of the city’s rich and fascinating history. From the imposing Arch of Titus to the majestic Pantheon, these ancient Roman buildings are a testament to the grandeur and magnificence of the city’s past.
The Mausoleum of Hadrian
The Mausoleum of Hadrian, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo, is one of the most iconic monuments in Rome. Built by Ancient Roman Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD, the monument served as his final resting place. It is located on the right bank of the Tiber river and was heavily fortified in the 13th century. It was used as a fortress and then later a prison. Today, it is a popular tourist destination open to the public.
The Circus Maximus, an even older structure in Ancient Rome, was the site of fierce chariot races and spectacular performances. Built in the 6th century BC, the circus was a venue for huge sporting events and political rallies and could seat up to a staggering 250,000 people. Today, the ruins of this arena still stand and can be visited.
The Baths of Caracalla were one of the most impressive bath complexes built by the Romans. This building, dating back to 206 AD, was a public bathing, recreation and entertainment center. Featuring an immense swimming pool and mosaic floors, it was a popular attraction in Ancient Rome and still stands today, open to visitors.
The Theater of Marcellus is an immense and breathtaking theater that was built in 11 BC by Emperor Augustus. This incredible structure, which was named after Augustus’ nephew Marcellus Claudius, was used as a theater and an auditorium and could seat up to 20,000 spectators. The theater is still standing, although many of its features have fallen over time.
Monte Testaccio
Monte Testaccio, located near the Tiber river, is a large artificial hill composed of fragments from nearly 53 million broken and discarded ancient Roman amphorae. Built in the 2nd century BC, Monte Testaccio was used as a landfill by the Roman army and is now a popular archaeological site.
The Circus Maxentius is another ancient structure located in Rome. Built in 305 AD by the Roman Emperor Maxentius, the structure was part of the emperor’s ambitious urban renewal project and was a multi-functional building used as a circus, a stadium and an open-aired urban mall.
The Temple of Peace is an immense and ornate temple located in Rome. This building, constructed near the Forum Romanum in 81 AD by Emperor Titus, was dedicated to the goddess Venus and featured a grand hall, beautiful murals and sculptures. It is still standing today, although many of its features have been destroyed over time.
The Ara Pacis Augustae, or Altar of Augustan Peace, is also considered one of the oldest buildings in Rome. This incredible structure, built in 9 BC, was used to honor the significant events that occurred during the reign of Emperor Augustus and has been well preserved over time.
