Introduction
Front view of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, 141 A.D.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina first honored the deified empress (Faustina), who predeceased her husband (Antoninus) in 141 A.D. After his own death and deification, the temple's cult expanded to included him. During the Medieval period, the temple was transformed into the Church of Saint Lawrence in Miranda, and various portions of the monument were torn down. Events that occurred during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries also dramatically impacted the temple's interior and exterior architecture. Though its appearance has changed significantly over the past two millenia, the temple's original columns and attic still survive. The monument is still used today as a church.