The unexpected discovery of the ancient archaeological site of Torre Argentina has been one of the most fascinating finds in Rome. During the years 1926-1929, a demolition project in the city led to the unveiling of this historically rich location. The site, nestled between Via del Teatro Argentina, Via Florida, Via San Nicola de ‘Cesarini, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, showcases four remarkable temples dating back to the Roman Republic.
The four temples, labeled A, B, C, and D, remain shrouded in mystery, as their exact identification is still uncertain. The oldest among them, Temple C, dates to the late 4th or early 3rd century BC and is believed to be dedicated to Feronia, the goddess of fertility. Temple A, smaller in size and built around the mid-3rd century BC, is thought to be the Temple of Juturna.
The largest temple, Temple D, hails from the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to either the Lares Permarini or the Nymphs. Following a destructive fire in 111 BC, the entire square was elevated by over a meter, and a tuff floor was constructed for the three temples. This period also marked the construction of Temple B, the only circular temple, which many scholars identify as the temple of Fortuna huiusce diei or the “Fortune of the Present Day.”
The site underwent further transformation in 80 AD after another devastating fire. Emperor Domitian leveled the rubble and built the still-visible travertine slab floor above it. After the 5th century, the area was abandoned and possibly occupied by a monastic complex. The 8th and 9th centuries witnessed the construction of large tuff structures, likely aristocratic houses.
Within the archaeological complex lies the Curia of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC. This historical site also features a 9th-century church dedicated to St. Nicholas, with its 12th-century Cosmatesque floor, apse decorated with saints, and an altar still intact.
A noteworthy aspect of Torre Argentina is the presence of cats among the ruins, cared for by a dedicated association. The love for cats in Rome dates back to ancient times, with the cult of cats originating from Egypt and Greece. Egyptians revered Bastet, a feline goddess, while Greeks venerated Artemis, the goddess of pregnant women, children, and animals. The cult of Bastet, later identified with Isis, became popular in the Roman Empire, solidifying the significance of cats in Roman culture.
Today, visitors to Torre Argentina can admire not only its rich history but also the remarkable presence of feline companions, a testament to Rome’s enduring love for these sacred animals.
