Maison carrée

Definition

The maison carrée is a well-preserved Roman temple located in Nîmes, France, dating back to around 16 BCE. It exemplifies the classic Roman architectural style, characterized by its rectangular shape and Corinthian columns. The structure served as a temple dedicated to the worship of the Roman imperial cult, representing the broader phenomenon of Roman urbanism in provincial cities and their religious practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The maison carrée features a front portico with six Corinthian columns and is elevated on a podium, typical of Roman temple design.
2. It was originally built to honor the grandsons of Augustus, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, emphasizing the importance of imperial family in promoting loyalty to Rome.
3. The temple's preservation is largely due to its continuous use throughout history, including its transformation into a Christian church in the 4th century.
4. The maison carrée has inspired neoclassical architecture, influencing numerous buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries, including American government structures.
5. Located in the heart of Nîmes, the maison carrée is part of a larger complex of Roman structures that highlight the city's significance during the Roman Empire.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the maison carrée reflect Roman architectural principles and cultural values?
  • The maison carrée exemplifies Roman architectural principles through its use of symmetry, proportion, and the Corinthian order. Its rectangular shape and elevated podium are hallmarks of classical design, showcasing the grandeur that Romans associated with their temples. Furthermore, by dedicating this structure to members of the imperial family, it highlights the cultural value placed on loyalty to Rome and the divine status of emperors within society.
• In what ways did the maison carrée serve as a center for both religious practice and political expression in ancient Nîmes?
  • The maison carrée functioned as a temple for the imperial cult, where citizens gathered to honor emperors as divine figures. This created a space for religious worship that reinforced political loyalty to Rome. Additionally, being centrally located near other significant structures in Nîmes, it helped foster a sense of community while serving as a backdrop for public gatherings and events that emphasized Roman authority.
• Evaluate the impact of Roman urbanism as demonstrated by the presence of structures like the maison carrée on provincial cities' social and cultural development.
  • Structures like the maison carrée played a crucial role in disseminating Roman culture throughout provincial cities. By establishing monumental architecture, Romans facilitated social cohesion among diverse populations and promoted local adherence to imperial values. The presence of such temples not only reflected the political influence of Rome but also encouraged cultural exchanges that shaped local traditions while integrating them into the broader narrative of Roman identity across its provinces.

Related terms

Imperial Cult: A form of state religion in which emperors were worshiped as gods, reflecting the political authority and divine status attributed to them in Roman society.

Forum: The central public space in ancient Roman cities used for various activities such as commerce, politics, and religion, often surrounded by important public buildings.

Pantheon: A former Roman temple dedicated to all gods, showcasing advanced engineering and architectural techniques, and serving as a prime example of Roman religious architecture.