What These 11 Famous Ancient Roman Architecture Looked Like In The Past

Ancient Rome is one of the greatest empires to ever exist. It is characterized by many Roman roads, arches, and aqueducts built over 2,000 years ago, which are still functional and used to this day. It also has unique ancient Roman architecture like temples, palaces, and amphitheaters that still survive today, leaving many architectural details that will leave you in awe and inquiries!

Scientists have now managed to reconstruct many of these beautiful landmarks based on historical records. Scroll down to see how some of the oldest Roman architecture looked in its time.

#1 Colosseum

The Colosseum is the most famous ancient structure in Roma and around the world, It was built over 2000 years ago. The amphitheater was during its glory days offered a variety of entertainment like gladiator battles, executions, animal hunts, and dramas based on mythology also he used to hold up to 50,000 – 80,000 spectators. it still one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome.

#2 Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was built in AD 203 and was surrounded by some of the most important ancient government buildings, but only ruins of those buildings survive to this day, it is located at the heart of the city of Rome. The site was the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches as well as the commercial hub

#3 Circus Maximus

flickr/ Larry Koester

The Circus Maximus was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome measuring 621 m (2,037 ft) in length and 118 m (387 ft) in width, it was used to be a chariot race, public games, and religious festivals. It could hold over 150,000 spectators. Circus Maximus nowadays is a public park.

#4 Stadium of Domitian

The Stadium of Domitian was built in AD 80 as a gift to the Roman people from emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus. It was mostly used for athletic contests. However, the gladiator battles were moved here when the Colosseum was under renovation after fire damage in AD 217. As the Empire’s power diminished, the Stadium was used to house the poor, and after the Renaissance, it was completely taken apart for building materials. Now, Piazza Navona stands in place of the Domitian Stadium.

#5 Temple Of Saturn

This temple dedicated to the god Saturn was built in 497 BC under Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, King of Rome. Throughout the years, the temple suffered many disasters, including fire. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt, with the present ruins only reflecting the third incarnation of the Temple of Saturn. An inscription lies on the partially preserved pediment: “The Senate and People of Rome restored [the temple] consumed by fire.”

#6 Mausoleum Of Hadrian (Castel Sant’Angelo)

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, Located in Parco Adriano, known as Castel Sant’Angelo. It was built between AD 134 and 139 and commissioned by Emperor Hadrian. It was supposed to serve as a mausoleum for the emperor and his family. The emperor’s ashes were placed inside in AD 138, and the tradition of laying all emperors’ ashes to rest here was born. Also, it was used by the Catholic church as a fortress and a castle. Nowadays, the Mausoleum of Hadrian is a museum.

#7 Temple Of Venus And Roma

The Temple of Venus and Roma was built in AD 135, and many believe it was once the largest temple in Ancient Rome. The temple is located right next to the Colosseum on the Velian Hill and was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix (“Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune”) and Roma Aeterna (“Eternal Rome”). Historians believe that an earthquake in the 9th century destroyed the temple. Later, a church was built in its place, ordered by Pope Leo IV. We can see only a few columns of the former temple remain standing today.

#8 Roman Forum From The Tabularium

This Forum From The Tabularium housed the offices of many city officials in ancient Rome. It is one of the better-preserved architectural pieces, and even though it was built nearly 2,000 years ago, its great corridor of 67 m (220 ft) remains partially intact.

#9 Theatre Of Marcellus, Temple Of Bellona And Temple Of Apollo Sosianus

The Theatre of Marcellus was built in 13 BC and was the largest and most important theater in the empire. It was used for various performances, like drama and songs. Despite its changing use throughout history, the theater was a fortress during the Middle Ages. Some sections of the theatre remain intact to this day.

#10 The Basilica Of Santi Cosma E Damiano

The Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano was commissioned by Emperor Maxentius in honor of his son Valerius Romulus, who died in 309. In 527, the building was Christianized and dedicated to Sancti Cosma et Damianus. A large part of the structure remains intact to this day, making it one of the more popular tourist attractions. Today, this temple is a basilica in the Roman Forum.

#11 Temple Of Castor And Pollux And Temple Of Caesar

Built-in 495 BC to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Lake Regillus, The Temple of Castor and Pollux originally served as the meeting place for the Roman Senate. According to a legend, the Dioscuri, the two mythological warrior brothers, appeared to help the army of the Roman Republic that day, to whom the temple was dedicated. Only a few columns and a few other temple fragments survive to this day. The Temple of Caesar, built in 29 BC, was dedicated to Julius Caesar, making him the first Roman resident to have a temple built in his honor.