The article names Apollodorus as Hadrian's architect and says he was later banished and executed. Work began in 121 AD, Hadrian inaugurated the temple in 135, and Antoninus Pius finished it in 141. It was a peripteral temple on a podium measuring 476 by 328 feet (145 by 100 m). The temple itself was 361 by 174 feet (110 by 53 m) and 102 feet (31 m) high including the statues.
Two back-to-back cellae held seated statues of Venus, facing east toward the Colosseum, and Roma, facing west toward the Forum. The columns were white marble and red porphyry, and the roof tiles were gilt bronze.
A fire in 307 led to restoration under Maxentius. An early 9th-century earthquake is believed to have destroyed it. Santa Francesca Romana was built on the remains, and entry is included with the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine tickets.
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