Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal

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Illustration

Prolet Decheva
by
published on 19 December 2024
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Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal Download Full Size Image

Ruins of a water temple next to a villa, situated within the Roman ruins of Milreu, near Estói, southern Portugal. 4th century CE.

The square cella of the temple ends in an apse to the south. The podium is decorated with a wall mosaic depicting various fish, dolphins, and seashells, surrounding the whole structure. Such a colorful mosaic frieze around a temple podium seems to be unique in the Roman world. Originally, the cella was surrounded by columns. The interior was decorated with marble slabs and mosaics. The building was later used for the Christian cult and a baptistery was added next to it, perhaps in the 6th century.

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About the Author

Prolet Decheva
PhD in Art History with a focus on late antique art and culture.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Decheva, P. (2024, December 19). Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19816/roman-temple-at-milreu-portugal/

Chicago Style

Decheva, Prolet. "Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified December 19, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19816/roman-temple-at-milreu-portugal/.

MLA Style

Decheva, Prolet. "Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 19 Dec 2024. Web. 21 Dec 2024.

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