The site of the Roman temple in Tongeren was located in the northwestern part of the city. It lies directly behind a section of Roman wall that has been preserved. Today, it is located on the grounds of the Royal Technical Atheneum, which has marked the temple’s original location with stones.
Galerie photos
Description
This is the only temple that has been excavated in Tongeren. It predates the city wall, which was built later. The reason this place of worship is located here may be linked to an earlier place of worship situated at the same traditional site. The location and structure of the complex on the outskirts of the city indicate that it was not a forum temple or a capitol. The portico surrounding the temple, along with the numerous rooms, suggest a thermal facility: a spa where people sought healing.
The temple likely survived until the end of the Roman era in Tongeren. In any case, it was located within the city walls built in the 4th century. The temple’s disappearance may be linked to the activities of Bishop Servatius in Tongeren during the 4th century.
The temple complex is terraced, with the temple building situated on a platform that was gradually raised artificially up to the city wall. The city wall served as a retaining wall. It has been preserved to a height of over four meters. The entire terrace was located within the city’s first and second fortifications, which had been extended northward for this purpose.
The complex consists of three parts: first, the temple building itself; second, the porticoes surrounding the temple along with adjacent buildings; and third, the outer buildings. The temple complex predates the city wall and was surrounded, incorporated, and partially covered by it. The buildings are aligned with the city’s street grid, which was likely established in the mid-first century. On the northwest slope outside the complex stood several buildings, the significance and function of which are unclear. Additionally, a series of deep square pits was found along the eastern side of the portico, likely used as offering pits.
The temple was situated on a raised platform. In front of the temple on the podium was a plaza paved with large stone slabs.
