Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 2 June 2008 in Architecture.
Drifting through the eras again we make a stop at Rome, circa 175 BC. This is the time where the small temple of Portunus, one of the oldest Roman gods, was erected. Samuel Ball Platner - author of the important book 'The Topography and Monuments of Ancient Rome' - took it for the Mater Matuta, Portunus' mother, others reckoned it as Temple of Fortuna Virilis (maybe your travel guide still thinks so), but that it's Portunus' temple is quite likely. Located in the Forum Boarium, it survived the centuries because it was transformed into a Christian church later in the 9th century (other buildings were not that lucky). Frescos from then are still present in the temple's interior, unfortunately unavailable to the public. The Forum Boarium was Rome's cattle market, the Tiber banks were shallow enough for the herders to land their boats. So whenever you use the word port think for a moment of old Portunus, the god of keys, doors and livestock, whose beautiful temple still stands today.
superb light! I like also the symetric framing
2 Jun 2008 12:12am
@Laurent: Thanks, Laurent! I also did some 'full-length' shots of that temple, but light was quite blinding and my experience then was quite low, so I took this one :)
Yes, beautiful light who show to advantage this great play of lines.
2 Jun 2008 3:40am
@Evelyne Dubos: These very old buildings are grateful objects for a photo, especially if their condition is still good. Godd light brings them back to life again :)
I like the crispness, detail and textures of this image. Very nice indeed.
2 Jun 2008 6:42am
@Michael Skorulski: Actually that was the only acceptable photo I did there. All others were completely overexposed. Next time... ;-)
MMMM...love the shadow and light. It has a playful quality to it. And the texture of the building is fantastic.
2 Jun 2008 8:26am
@Tracey: This one is a real jewel. It's like a small house in greek style, and to notice that it's more than 2000 years old is quite amazing!
As allready said the light is splendid. A really good shot.
2 Jun 2008 8:28am
@akarui: Thank you! Unfortunately it's the only acceptable one of a whole series. Must revisit Rome soon!
Fascinating story and photo...thanks for posting it!
2 Jun 2008 8:34am
@Ian Bramham: My pleasure! The corner of Rome where this temple is located is still a crowded place. If this building could tell...
A warm light, must have been fairly busy in its time. Now I know the origin of the word port.
2 Jun 2008 10:02am
@JoeB: Amazing for a December shot, isn't it? These Italians are so gifted!
That's a lovely image and interesting narrative. Fascinating how these old places weather and crumble with such dignity.
2 Jun 2008 10:10am
@Ronnie 2¢: I was amazed by its beauty and completedness. I wonder if buildings of today will last that long.
I like the light and shadows in this one - great textures too :)
2 Jun 2008 11:43am
@Ina: Considering that this is just a minute part of the whole cutural heritage of Rome makes me dizzy :-)
A fine architectural shot.
@Ana Lúcia: Unfortunately the only acceptable one that was good enough for presenting here! :)
It never fails to amaze me how old these fantastic structures are. The lighting and the textures in this shot are wonderful MS.
2 Jun 2008 6:25pm
@MaryB: What amazes me the most is that these patterns, the architectural language, the whole design is still valid today. It's something you immediately 'understand': this is symbolizing power, that are decors you can still see on recent buildings, those patterns are still beautiful today. It's no dry history lesson but a direct experience of culture and history.
i like the interplay here.
2 Jun 2008 8:03pm
@chris chisu: Now imagine another small temple, a converted amphitheatre, and a church with the Mouth of Truth attached on her wall nearby. And fortunately it's not a museum but all to be found in a lively street scene. :-)
Grand and peaceful. The beautiful photograph. Greetings from Yogyakarta Indonesia.
2 Jun 2008 8:40pm
@Bram Antareja: Thanks a lot! Glad you like it :-)
That's great stuff, but you've made me want to get a look at those frescoes.
3 Jun 2008 9:03am
@Twelvebit: Now look what I have found :-) (Funny pics on that site, btw.)
Archaeologists in Rome are very, very slowly changing their practice of making Rome's treasures available to the public. Only recently, when the Romulus and Remus cave had been discovered, they published this big news in a timely manner.
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