Temple+of+Venus+Genetrix

 **__The Temple of Venus Genetrix__** The Temple of Venus Genetrix is one of the most captivating buildings of Roman history. It is a ruined templed in the Forum of Caesar in Rome. This temple was dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus Genetrix. Julius Caesar dedicated this temple to the goddess on September 26, 46 BC. This was the last day of the triumph.
 * By: Cameron McDuffie **

 **__Venus Genetrix__** Venus Genetrix ("Mother Venus") was the goddess of motherhood and domesticity. She was regarded as the mother of the Julian gens in particular. Caesar dedicated the temple to Venus Genetrix because he believed she was one of his ancestors. Although Caesar did not want to be called a king, he had a statute of himself put inside the temple because he believed that he was a relative of one. This statute is a semi-nude life-size portrait sculpture by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova.

**__Construction__** Originally Caesar planned to build the temple for Venus Ventrix. However, the construction of the temple was postponed due to the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. The temple was first built in 46 BC in the city of Rome, in the new Forum of Caesar. It was located at the end of a long enclosure by the Forum. Caesar decided to dedicate his temple to Venus Genetrix as the mother of Aenas. She was considered the ancesor of the gens Julia to which Caesar belonged.

 **__Structure of the Temple__** The temple was built of solid marble. There were eight columns (octostyle) across the front, set very close together, on a raised podium ascended by two small lateral staircases. Inside the temple was a cult statute of Venus as well as statutes of Caesar and Cleopatra. The Cleopatra is in gold leafed bronze. There was also numerous works of art, including Greek paintings, six collections of engraved gems, and a breastplate decorated with pearls from Britannia. All of these treasures are now long vanished. In front of the temple stood three fountain basins which were set at either end of the facade. A low wall ran between them.

**__Destruction__** A massive fire ravaged the city in AD 80, under the reign of Titus. The fire tore through the entire Forum. The temple was later rebuilt and headed by the Roman Emperor Domitian. Trajan eventually restored the temple in 113 AD, adding the three famous columns which stand today. __**Remains**__ The remains of the Temple of Venus Genetrix have survived. Three of the sides of the western side of the temple, after the excavations of the 1930s were raised. On the sides there are visible engravings and die-punched spirals. Amorinis or cherubs were used in decorating the temple and this is linked to the mythological figure of the God Eros. Eros was the son of Venus. He is described as a bread fed boy. The theme is repeated on the semi-circular decorations of the brick entablatures. The interior decoration had two orders of columns that were placed against the walls with pilasters behind them. The first set were decorated with amorini having various objects. Among those that are preserved include a shield with the head of Medusa and a flame. Other elements show amorini pouring liquid from a vase into a basin. Symbolically the objects evoke the presence of vaious idols accompanying the goddess in her role as nature's ancestor.

"Ancient Greek & Roman Sculpture: Aphrodite Venus Genetrix." //THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY, Exploring Mythology & the Greek Gods in Classical Literature & Art//. Web. 02 May 2011. []
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