Maison Carrée, Nîmes

The Maison Carrée at Nîmes in southern France, is one of the best preserved temples to be found anywhere in the territory of the former Roman Empire. Built by general Agrippa around 19-16 BC to honour Caius and Lucius Caesar, the grandson and adopted son of the Emperor Augustus. It has survived for centuries as a medieval meeting hall, private residence, stable, church and, after the Revolution, archive. Known as Carrée or Square because of its right angles and ''long'' square shape, its cella (cult sanctuary) and the Corinthian columns of the porch are perfectly intact.