Temple of Venus
Quick Summary
The "Temple of Venus" in Baiae, Italy, is a misnomer for a large domed building that was actually a swimming pool within a Roman bath complex. Baiae, located near Naples, was a popular resort town during the Roman Republic and the 1st century CE due to its mild climate and curative thermal springs.1
The building referred to as the "Temple of Venus" dates to the Hadrianic period (2nd century CE) and has a diameter of approximately 86 feet (26.3 meters). It is one of several extensive remains of ancient bathing facilities found at the submerged site of Baiae. The goddess Venus, originally an Italian deity of gardens, was later identified with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, becoming associated with love and beauty.12
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