Illustration
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.
Related Images
Cold Water Pool, Roman Baths at Milreu, Portugal
Mosaic Detail from the Roman Temple at Milreu, Portugal
Capela dos Ossos, Evora, Portugal
Don Antonio of Portugal
Public Monument in Portugal
Roman Bridge, Ponte da Vila Formosa, Portugal
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. 20 Jan 2025.
