Temple of Venus and Roma (121-135 AD) (Rome)

The Temple of Venus and Roma, located on the east side of the Roman Forum next to the Colosseum. Dedicated in 135 AD by Emperor Hadrian to "Venus Felix et Roma Aeterna" ("Favorable Venus and Eternal Rome"), for Venus (the goddess of love) and Roma (a goddess that personified the Roman state).

As an additional clever subtlety by Hadrian, Venus also represented love (Amor in Latin), and "AMOR" is "ROMA" spelled backwards. Thus, placing the two divinities of Venus and Rome back-to-back in a single temple created a further symmetry with the back-to-back symmetry of their names as well. Within Venus' cella was another altar where newly wed couples could make sacrifices. Directly adjacent to this altar stood gigantic silver statues of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AznJjQO2fQ0
 templeplace with historical importance
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Coordinates:  41°53'27"N 12°29'23"E

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