Computer reconstruction of the Temple
Courtyard
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The Temple at Bath was built in a classical style and is unusual
in Britain as only one other truly classical temple – the temple of
Claudius at Colchester – is known. It dates to the later first
century AD.
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The Bath Temple stood on a podium more than two metres above the
surrounding courtyard. It was approached by a flight of steps and
there were four large, fluted Corinthian columns supporting a
frieze and decorated pediment above. Behind the columns was a large
door to the cella where the cult statue of the goddess was kept, in
a dimly lit space without windows, with the only light coming
through the doorway and from the Temple fire burning before the
cult statue.
In the later second century the Temple was modified by the
addition of small side chapels and the construction of an
ambulatory around.
The Temple remained a focal point for worship until late in the
fourth century AD. As Christianity gathered strength the old pagan
religion was marginalised and in 391 AD the Emperor Theodosius
ordered the closure of pagan temples throughout the Empire. The
Temple fell into a state of disrepair and eventually collapsed.