Loose entablature and cornice blocks from the so-called Temple of Diana (l...
Exterior view of the original Roman back wall (west wall) of the so-called...
Extant side (north) wall of the so-called "Temple of Diana", Aix...
Hôtel de Ville into which the so-called "Temple of Diana" (...
Loose entablature and cornice blocks from the so-called Temple of Diana, w...
Hôtel de Ville into which the so-called "Temple of Diana" (...
| Context: | Aix-les-Bains |
| Type: | Temple |
| Summary: | A small imperial Roman temple, distyle in antis, perhaps dedicated to the cult of the Gallic spring god, Bormus (Borvo). |
| Date: | ca. 1 AD - ca. 100 AD |
| Dimensions: | L. 17.2 m (E-W); W. 13.85 m (N-S); H. (side walls) 13.12 m; total H. (max.) 15.42 m |
| Period: | Julio-Claudian |
Plan: The foundations indicate that the temple facade was distyle in antis, i.e., that temple was fronted by two columns that would have appeared between piers attached to the side wall.
History: The temple, which has been traditionally known as the "Temple of Diana," was incorporated into the 16th c. Renaissance château that now serves as the Hôtel de Ville, and in 1824 the interior of the temple was rebuilt as a theater. In 1876, however, the theaterical interior was burnt in a fire. The temple now serves as the Archaeological Museum for the two, and may be accessed throught the tourist offic
Other Notes: The association of the goddess Diana with this temple may have resulted from a second century reconstruction, but the temple seems originally to have been dedicated to the Gallic god Bormus (Borvo), who is attested in local inscriptions.
Other Bibliography: A. Canal, Rapport de sauvetage archéologique engagé sur la place de l'Hôtel de Ville d'Aix-les-Bains (Lyons 1992); A. Perrault-Dabot, "Les antiquités gallo-romaines d'Aix-les-Bains," Mémoires de la Société Savoisienne d'Histoire et d'Archéologie 8