Regio VIII
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The Triangular Forum, also known as the Foro Triangolare, is a unique triangular-shaped sacred precinct in Pompeii, renowned for housing one of the city's oldest religious structures—the Doric Temple dedicated to Hercules or Apollo. Dating back to the 6th century BC, it represents the earliest phase of Pompeii's urban development under Greek and Oscan influences, serving as a religious and social hub. Unlike the rectangular main Forum focused on civic and commercial activities, the Triangular Forum was a scenic overlook emphasizing leisure, theater, and worship, with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples and Sarno River valley. Buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, it was excavated starting in the 18th century and offers insights into Pompeii's multicultural evolution from a small settlement to a Roman colony. The site's name derives from its distinctive shape, formed by the natural lava ridge on which it sits.
The Triangular Forum is situated in the southwestern part of Pompeii, within Regio VIII, Insula 7, adjacent to the theater complex. It occupies a lava ridge on the southern edge of the ancient city, overlooking the Sarno valley and the Gulf of Naples, which provided both defensive advantages and aesthetic appeal. Access is via Via dei Teatri from the east, through a monumental propylaeum (gateway) with six Ionic columns, preceded by a public fountain. It borders the Large Theatre to the north, the Odeon (Small Theatre) nearby, and the Gladiators' Barracks (Quadriporticus) to the east. The site's elevated position, approximately at coordinates 40.7510° N, 14.4865° E, made it a natural vantage point, integrating it with Pompeii's cultural district including the Temple of Isis and Samnite Palaestra.
The Triangular Forum's history spans from the 6th century BC, when Pompeii was under Greek influence following their arrival in Campania around 740 BC. It began as a sacred area outside the original Oscan settlement, possibly dedicated to Hercules (as a heroon or hero's tomb) or Apollo, reflecting early maritime trade and Hellenic cults. By the 3rd century BC, after the Samnite Wars, it saw Samnite expansions, including votive pits and early structures. In the 2nd century BC, during Pompeii's prosperity as a Roman ally, the portico was added, regularizing the space. Roman colonization post-80 BC integrated it further, with renovations like the tholos well by Samnite magistrate Numerius Trebius. The AD 62 earthquake caused significant damage, leaving the Doric Temple and porticoes in disrepair by AD 79, when the Vesuvius eruption buried the site. Unlike the main Forum, it emphasized social and religious functions, evolving from a peripheral sanctuary to a central cultural node.
The Triangular Forum's architecture adapts to its irregular terrain, forming a triangular plaza approximately 100 meters on each side, enclosed by a portico built in the 2nd century BC. The portico features 95 Doric columns of tuff, originally stuccoed and painted, surrounding the open area on three sides for shaded promenades and sea views. The monumental entrance (propylaeum) consists of a hallway with six Ionic columns, creating a grand façade. At the center stands the Doric Temple (6th century BC), built of Sarno limestone and brown tufa on a podium (about 20m x 30m) accessible via stairs, with a cella (inner chamber) and pronaos (porch) showing Greek peripteral design (columns on all sides). A double rectangular enclosure (temenos) in front of the temple, interpreted as the Heroon (tomb of Hercules, the legendary founder), measures about 10m x 5m. Behind it, a well is encased in a circular tholos with Doric columns. The eastern side opens to the Samnite Palaestra, a smaller gymnasium. Post-earthquake, some structures were stripped, indicating incomplete repairs. The design blends Greek, Oscan, and Roman elements, prioritizing aesthetics over functionality.
Decorations in the Triangular Forum are modest, focusing on architectural elements rather than elaborate frescoes, typical of a public sacred space. The Doric columns were stuccoed white to mimic marble, with some painted details. The temple's podium and cella likely featured simple reliefs or votive offerings, though little survives. A schola (semicircular bench) near the west portico, built of tuff blocks, may have had inscriptions or dedications. Artifacts include 3rd-century BC votive pits with offerings (pottery, figurines) found in front of the Heroon, suggesting ritual use. Excavations uncovered Sarno limestone pavements, opus incertum walls (mixed masonry), and a tank system predating the portico. No major frescoes are preserved, but the site's natural integration with views provided "decoration" through landscape. Nearby, the Temple of Isis (adjacent but separate) offers comparative vibrant decorations, highlighting the Forum's restrained style.
Excavations of the Triangular Forum began in the Bourbon era: 1765 (initial probes), 1767-1768 (main uncovering), followed by 1813, 1899, 1905, 1931, and extensive work from 1981-1996 under Amedeo Maiuri and later teams. Early digs focused on the Doric Temple and portico, revealing its pre-Roman origins. In 2016, the University of Naples ‘Federico II’ (led by Carmela Capaldi, with APP's Francesco Muscolino) conducted surveys in four areas: north-west portico corner (uncovering a well and tank predating the Augustan Age), in front of the Doric Temple (traces of stripped buildings), behind the Heroon (votive pits from 3rd century BC), and west portico end (tuff block walls and opus incertum sections). These confirmed multi-phase construction, with some structures closed off in the Augustan period. No human remains were found, unlike nearby sites, but the excavations enhanced understanding of chronological layers.
As of August 25, 2025, the Triangular Forum is open to the public within the Pompeii Archaeological Park, with visiting hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM in summer). It is well-preserved, though some porticoes show earthquake damage reconstruction. Ongoing conservation addresses erosion and tourism impacts, with recent 2016 surveys informing restoration. Visitors enter via Via dei Teatri, exploring the portico, temple, and views; informational panels detail history. The site integrates with nearby attractions like the Large Theatre and Odeon for a cultural tour. Artifacts are displayed in the Naples Archaeological Museum or on-site replicas. Virtual tours via the park's app enhance accessibility, and it's part of UNESCO-listed Pompeii.