This is the temple mentioned above by Livy, and we see the positions
agree with his statements. It is formed of twenty beautiful Corinthian
columns, only one of which, on the right side, is missing. Its
circumference is only 156 feet, and that of the cella 26 feet, and
the height of the columns 32 feet. The walls within the portico are
of white marble (much of which still remains), and the pieces of it
were put together so as to have the appearance of one mass. The temple
stands on a base of tufa, showing early construction, but is a
restoration of the time of Vespasian.
[Illustration: ROUND TEMPLE OF HERCULES AND TEMPLE OF PATRICIAN
CHASTITY.]
This was probably the Temple of Hercules which Vitruvius (iii. 3) says
was erected by Pompey. Pliny (xxxiv. 19) says Myron made the statue of
Hercules which is in the Ædes Herculis, built by Pompey the Great,
near the Circus Maximus. Again (xxxv. 7) he speaks of "the paintings
of the poet Pacuvius, in the Temple of Hercules, situated in the
cattle-market."