The Maison Carrée of Nîmes

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The Maison Carrée of Nîmes: A Symbol of Imperial Worship and Architectural Mastery

The Maison Carrée of Nîmes, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and cultural influence of the Roman Empire. Situated in the heart of the modern-day city of Nîmes, in the Occitanie region of France, this ancient edifice offers a unique glimpse into the Roman colonial past.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Built in the 1st century AD in the Roman colony of Nemausus – today’s city of Nîmes in the Occitanie region– the Maison Carrée is one of the earliest examples of a Roman temple which can be connected to the imperial worship in the provinces of Rome. Dedicated to the presumptive heirs of Augustus, the princes of Youth, prematurely deceased, this building confirmed the control of Rome on the conquered territory while expressing in a symbolic way the allegiance and attachment of the people from the city of Nemausus to Augustus’ dynasty. The architecture of the Maison Carrée and its sophisticated decoration took part, symbolically, in the dissemination of Augustus ideologic program which turned the Ancient Rome from republic to empire, thus opening a new golden age bearer of promises of peace, prosperity and stability known by the name of Pax Romana.

Encyclopedia Record: Maison carrée

The Maison carrée is an ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, southern France; it is one of the best-preserved Roman temples to survive in the territory of the former Roman Empire. It is a mid-sized Augustan provincial temple of the Imperial cult, a caesareum.

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