Roman emperor Hadrian built the temple complex now known as the Temple of Venus and Roma.
Hadrian designed the enormous double temple, which was dedicated in 135 CE and completed under Antoninus Pius. It stood on the Velian Hill beside the Colosseum and was dedicated to Venus Felix, the mother of the Roman people through Aeneas, and Roma Aeterna, the personification of the city.
The two sanctuaries were arranged back to back, with their cellae facing in opposite directions. This unusual plan allowed one sacred space to face toward the Colosseum and the other toward the Roman Forum.
Ancient writers say the architect Apollodorus of Damascus criticized Hadrian’s design, though the story may reflect later hostility toward the emperor. The temple was among the largest in Rome and remained an important monument into late antiquity.