Why is Maison Carrée important?

The Maison Carrée or “Square House” is the best preserved Roman temple in Europe. It sits undisturbed in the small city of Nîmes, which also has a splendid Roman amphitheater, still used for bull-fighting and other spectacles.

Who built Maison Carrée?

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa
The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is one of the best-preserved monuments from the ancient world. The podium measures 25 x 12 meters. It was probably built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend and son-in-law of the emperor Augustus, in 20 BCE.

How old is the Maison Carrée?

2,019c. 2 AD
Maison Carrée/Age

When was Maison Carrée built?

2 AD
Maison Carrée/Opened

Is the Maison Carrée set on a podium?

This means that the building has a single cella (cult room), a deep porch, a frontal, axial orientation, and sits atop a high podium. The podium of the Maison Carrée rises to a height of 2.85 meters; the footprint of the temple measures 26.42 by 13.54 meters at the base. The temple has a very deep pronaos (porch).

How tall is the Maison Carrée?

56′
Maison Carrée/Height

When was Maison Carrée at Nimes built?

What is the purpose of the oculus in the pantheon?

Classical. The oculus was used by the Ancient Romans, one of the finest examples being that in the dome of the Pantheon. Open to the weather, it allows rain and air to enter and fall to the floor, where it is carried away through drains.

What was the Pantheon used for?

Traditionally thought to have been designed as a temple for Roman gods, the structure’s name is derived from the Greek words pan, meaning “all,” and theos, meaning “gods.” The original Pantheon was destroyed in a fire around 80 A.D. It was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, only to be burned down again in 110 A.D.

What Etruscan influence is visible in the temple of portunus?

The mixing of Greek and Etruscan forms is the primary characteristic of the Roman Temple of Portunus. Its plan follows the Etruscan pattern with a high podium and a flight of steps only at the front. The six free standing columns are all in the deep porch.

Why is the Pantheon so important?

The Pantheon still stands as a testament to the genius and skill of the Roman people. Its importance lies in the fact that it is the best preserved monument from ancient Rome. Throughout its history, the Pantheon’s innovative combination of both Greek and Roman style has been admired by many.

Why is the oculus called the oculus?

Why is the Oculus named “the Oculus”? The name comes from the strip of windows, or skylights, along the spine of the roof. Oculus is the Latin word for “eye,” which, in architecture, refers to a round or eye-like opening with a view of the sky.

Where is the Maison Carrée in France?

Maison Carrée, c. 4-7 C.E., Colonia Nemausus (modern Nîmes, France) The so-called Maison Carrée or “square house” is an ancient Roman temple located in Nîmes in southern France. Nîmes was founded as a Roman colony (Colonia Nemausus) during the first century B.C.E.

Who was the architect of the Maison Carrée in Rome?

During the 19th century the temple slowly began to recover its original splendour, due to the efforts of Victor Grangent. The Maison Carrée is a classic example of Vitruvian architecture as it is nearly an exact replica of a Tuscan style Roman temple described in the writings of the famous architect Vitruvius.

What is the difference between the Maison Carrée and the temple?

The Maison Carrée stood in the south eastern corner of the forum, facing another building which was probably the curia, the gathering place of the local senate, as the remains of marble decorated meeting rooms have been found in the Rue Auguste. The Carrée d’Art is a modern counterpart to the temple, with a similar shape and with columns.

When was the first door in the Maison Carrée made?

The pronaos was restored in the early part of the 19th century when a new ceiling was provided, designed in the Roman style. The present door was made in 1824. The Maison Carrée during and after restoration (2006–2011).