Temple of Hercules and Fountain of the Tritons in Rome

by Melany Sarafis

Title

Temple of Hercules and Fountain of the Tritons in Rome

Artist

Melany Sarafis

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Photograph

Description

This area borded by the Tiber, the ancient cattle auction and the Circus Maximus is supposidly the general location of Hercules' victory over Cacus during his return from the 8th of his labors. According to legend, as he was passing through Rome on his return from stealing the cattle of Geryon, the monster Cacus made off with a few cattle and hid them in a nearby cave. Hercules located them and slew Cacus. To celebrate his victory, Hercules made a sacrifice of a few bulls on this site.

Often mistaken for the Temple of Vesta, this is the oldest preserved temple in Rome.
In 1717 Francisco Carlo Bizzaccheri designed the fountain in honor of Pope Clement IX Albani. Two tritons sit on rocks back-to-back with their tails entwined, supporting a shell-shaped basin with the Papal coat of arms carved on both sides.

It's located near the Piazza della Bocca, where the "Mouth of Truth" is located in the wall outside the church.

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August 26th, 2013

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