MARS, AEDES
(templum, Plin., Bob., Val. Max.):
a temple in circo Flaminio,
built for D. Junius Brutus Callaicus in 138 B.C. by the architect Hermodorus of Salamis (Nepos ap.
Priscian. viii. 17). In the vestibule were
inscribed some lines of the poet Accius in Saturnian metre (Schol. Bob.
in Cic. pro Archia 27; Val.
Max. viii. 14. 2). The temple contained a
colossal statue of Mars by Scopas, and a Venus by the same artist that
was said to excel that of Praxiteles (Plin.
NH xxxvi. 26). Its exact site
is unknown, but it has been located by some south of the theatre of
Pompeius (
AR 1909, 77), by others identified in a fragment of the Marble
Plan (FUR IIO), which represents remains that exist under S. Nicola ai
Cesarini (
BC 1911, 261-264;
1914, 385).