Triangular hole

Foro Triangolare, also known as The Triangle Forum, is a fascinating archaeological site located behind Olconio's house in the ancient city of Pompeii. This unique forum derives its name from the triangular shape of the limited land it occupies, which is only one third of the second center of Pompeii. As visitors approach the entrance to the forum from the north, they are greeted by a grand portico adorned with six elegant Ionic columns. Flanking the entrance are two shelves that once held bedside lamps, adding a touch of ancient charm to the surroundings.

Surrounded on two sides by a portico featuring an impressive array of 95 Doric columns, the Forum Triangolare offers a glimpse into the architectural splendor of ancient Pompeii. To the east, the forum connects with the Palestra, the Teatro Grande, and the Quadriportico via a long flight of stairs, creating a network of interconnected spaces that once bustled with life and activity. The base in front of the portico was dedicated to Marcus Claudius Marcellus, a revered figure in Pompeii and the favorite nephew of Emperor Augustus, underscoring the historical significance of this site.

At the southern end of the forum stands the Doric Temple, a structure dating back to the 6th century BC when Pompeii was under Greek influence from the nearby State of Cuma. Originally dedicated to Hercules, the mythical founder of the city, the temple later incorporated the cult of Minerva as well. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several rounds of restoration during the Samnite period, only to be largely abandoned in Roman times. The architectural style of the temple bears resemblance to contemporaneous structures in Paestum, featuring robust columns with wide grooves and capitals adorned with flattened rings.

The temple's layout includes thirty-two columns, with seven on each short facade, constructed primarily from tuff with limestone columns. The well-preserved basement, measuring approximately 21x28 meters, features a narrow staircase leading to the south. In front of the temple's main facade, remnants of a sanctuary dedicated to Hercules can still be seen, complete with two altars on the right. Nearby, the remains of a sacred well, once covered by a circular temple with eight small columns, offer a glimpse into the religious practices of the ancient Pompeiians.

Behind the temple, visitors can explore a semicircular seat where a sundial was once placed by the "duoviri," officials responsible for the city's administration. This sundial, along with a similar one in front of the temple of Apollo, served as timekeeping devices for the bustling city. The Forum Triangolare stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Pompeii, inviting visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the ancient world of this remarkable archaeological site.