Part 8

The _Aspect_ of this _Temple_; by which we understand that first shew which _Temples_ make to those that draw near unto them, is _Dipteros Hypæthros_, which is double winged about uncovered. _Dipteros circa ædem duplices habet columnarum ordines_ (saith _Vitruvius_) _Dipteros hath double orders of columnes about the Temple. Hypæthros sub divo est, sine tecto_, (as the same Author) _Hypæthros is open to the air, without a roof_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 2._]

The Manner of this _Temple_ is _Pycnostylos_, or _narrow spaces_. _Pycnostylos_ is that kinde of _Temples_, which hath the columnes set thick, and close together _crebris columnis_, as _Vitruvius_ also hath it.

But it may be objected, though it appears from very good Authorities, the Artifice, and workmanship of this _Antiquity_, together with the _Scheam_ which formed it, were _Roman_: and the _Order_ of which consisting, invented in _Italy_, and so consequently _Roman_ in like manner: as also, by the severall peculiar accommodations, the probable reliques of _Heathenish_ Sacrifices, and determinate rules of _Architecture_, it was anciently a _Temple_: Neverthelesse it appears not, the _Romans_ ever used any whatever profane structure like this, much lesse any manner of _Temples_ of this kinde of invention, _Where the Temple lies open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_. For, that the upright stones which make this work _Stoneheng_, are in stead of them, may well enough be granted.

[Sidenote: _Phil. in Vitr. lib. 4._]

To this I answer, the learned in _Antiquities_ very well know, those things which oblivion hath so long removed out of mind, are hardly to be discovered. Yet, as to the first part of the objection, that the _Romans_ never used any whatever profane structure like this, _Varro de re rustica_ (as I find him cited by _Philander_) tels us, that they had in use amongst them a round building without any wals, having a double _Order_ of columns round about, this he cals by the name of _Tholus, ædificium rotundum, columnatum duplici columnarum ordine. A round edifice_ (saith he) _environed about with a double order of columns_. Which double _Order_ of _Columns_ _Pyrrho Ligorio_ a famous _Neapolitane Architect_, and great discoverer of _Antiquities_, in his description thereof designes without a roof also.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Ædes sacræ Templa dicta fuerunt, quòd essent quasi ædes Deorum. Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Dan. Barbar._]

But to come to their sacred works, which in regard of this _Antiquity_, are (it’s true) of most concernment, I find the _Romans_ used (as _Vitruvius_ witnesseth) such manner of _Temples_. For (in his fourth Book, and seventh Chapter) he delivers, there were amongst others two forms of round _Temples_, commonly in use amongst them, the one called _Monopteros_; the other _Peripteros_. This, had the _Cell_ enclosed about with a continued wall, and at a proportionate distance from it, the columns placed which made a _Portico_ round about it, clean different from _Stoneheng_: the other made open, and in stead of a wall encompassed with a row of pillars only, having no enclosed _Cell_ within it at all, as much conducing to our purpose in hand. His words are these, _Fiunt autem ædes rotundæ, è quibus aliæ sine cella columnatæ constituuntur. They make also_ (saith he) _round Temples, of which some are built without a Cell, environed with Pillars only_. These were without any wals, (as his Commenter hath it) lying open to the Air. And truly (as I may presume to say) from this very manner the invention of _Stoneheng_ was principally taken, in ordering whereof, the _Architect_ disdaining usuall and common forms, of both the aforesaid forms composed one. For, taking the outward circle from the _Monopteros_, he made it open also as in that, but in stead of the continued wall circularly enclosing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_, at _Stoneheng_ he made only an _Hexagon_ about the _Cell_, leaving the same open in like manner. And, as _Hermogenes_ (whom I shall have occasion to remember again) to illustrate his work, leaving out the inner row of Pillars, made a single _Portico_ about the _Temple_ at _Magnesia_, whereby it came to be a new invention, for which he is famous to posterity: so the subtile _Architect_, whosoever he was, to ennoble this his work, adding the said _Hexagon_ here, made a double _Portico_ round about this _Temple_, and thereby a new invention likewise, no lesse famous to succeeding Ages. Our _Antiquity Stoneheng_ had otherwise been of the self same _Aspect_ without a _Cell_, as _Vitruvius_ hath before delivered. That _Temple Monopteros_, was environed with a row of pillars; this _Temple Stoneheng_, in stead of them, supplied with a rank of pillasters (as they may well be called) continuing round about it. That, lay open to the air without any walls: so doth this at _Stoneheng_. That, had over the pillars an _Architrave_, _Freese_, and _Cornice_, the _Order_ being delicate: this at _Stoneheng_, over the pillasters an _Architrave_ only, as most conformable to the solidnesse of the _Order_ and plainnesse of the work.

Thus it fully appears, the ancient _Romans_ used to erect _Temples, which lay open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_; in invention like this at _Stoneheng_. But, let us see whether the form _Monopteros_, had any roof over it. That the _Romans_ had _Temples_ uncovered, and without roofs, like _Stoneheng_, is in part already, and shall more manifestly be hereafter proved: and searching curiously into their _Antiquities_, it will be found the greatest, most splendid, and most magnificent work of all others, which the _Ancients_ made for service of their _Deities_, were those kinde of _Temples_ of the _Aspect Hypæthros_. Whether the _Monopteros_ was one of that kind, appears not yet, and _Vitruvius_ is very obscure therein; neverthelesse, that it was built without a roof, I shall illustrate by these reasons.

First, _Vitruvius_ tels us not it had a roof; for, in his precepts of all severall kinds of _Temples_, after he hath delivered the _Aspect_, _Form_, and _Manner_ of them with much exactnesse, he omits not throughout his fourth Book to demonstrate aswell the contignation, as proportion of timbers of the roofs, belonging to all those _Temples_, which had any, and when vaulted he gives us likewise the form thereof, if the _Temples_ so covered: but, in the description of the form _Monopteros_, there is no manner of timber work, nor form of vault, nor the least word mentioned of any roof at all, in what place soever throughout his whole work speaking thereof. In which respect, considering all _Temples_ having roofs, those roofs are described by _Vitruvius_, and that he describes no roof belonging to this, it must necessarily follow, the _Temples_ in form _Monopteros_ had no roofs over them.

Again, after giving the proportion of the _Architrave_ over the columnes of the _Monopteros_, he saith, _Zophorus & reliqua quæ insuper imponuntur, ita uti in tertio volumine de symmetriis scripsit. The Freese and other ornaments laid upon them, are as in his third Book of symmetries made mention of._ Now, in his third Book, he only treats of proportions, and not one word is so much as mentioned by him of any manner of roofs at all, only in the close of the said Book, he gives the proportion of frontispices belonging to quadrangular _Temples_: the same referment in like manner he makes for the ornaments of the _Peripteros_, and withall proceeds to a full description, in what manner the roof of its _Cell_ was made, which questionlesse, he would likewise have done in the other form, if it had been covered. For, he saith, whatever is to be laid above the _Freese_ of the _Monopteros_, is, as set down in his third Book: but, in his third Book, there is not One word mentioned of any roofs; the conclusion then follows the _Monopteros_ was without a roof.

[Sidenote: _Bern. Baldo._]

Lastly, he positively tels us it was _sine Cella, without a Cell_: now the _Cell_ (and which for distinction sake I have so called in describing this _Antiquity_, because it was applied to the same use, to perform their sacred rites in) was indeed properly, the inner, or chief part of the _Temple, quam nos corpus Templi vulgò dicimus, we commonly call it the body of the Church_, which enclosed with wals, was covered with a roof, as _Vitruvius_ declares in the form _Peripteros, tecti ratio ita habeatur &c. The manner of a roof_ (saith he) _was thus &c._ But, the _Monopteros_ was without a _Cell_, and consequently without a roof also, as having no walls to bear it. For, in regard of the manner of the _Architecture_, the pillars standing in _Island_ (as we say) the work could not securely bear a roof, if made of any great capacity: either therefore, they made _Temples_ of this form very little (in which respect only, _Palladio_ supposeth it might be vaulted) inconsistent with the _Roman_ greatnesse, or else, like _Stoneheng_ they were wholly uncovered and rooflesse. Howsoever, it is manifest, the _Aspect_ was just the same. And if I should say, the ruines of one after the same form also, remains yet in _Oxfordshire_, which the common people usually call _Rolle-rich-stones_, take it but as my conjecture only, as likewise one or two built after the like manner in _Scotland_, no man unlesse _Hector Boetius_ knowing by what Kings.

Moreover, the proportions appearing in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, are much conformable to those, assigned by _Vitruvius_ to the parts of the _Monopteros_: He tels us, _Tribunal habent & ascensum ex suæ diametri tertia parte: they had the Tribunal_, (by which is understood that levell upon which the _Temple_ placed) _and the ascent, consisting of one third part of the Diameter_. So at _Stoneheng_, the work it self is one _third part of the Diameter_ of the circumvallation: And, acording to the proportion allowed by him to _the Ascent_, it seems those _Temples_ were sited more stately then others, (by consequence great also) and certain it is, whosoever views this _Antiquity_ attentively with judgement, upon the place where remaining (for the _Folio_ being too little I could not expresse it in Design) and doth allow a proportionate depth to the Trench surrounding it; considering also, together therewith, the levell of the plain lying without, he will then finde it standing upon such a rising ground, that the _Ascent_ unto it, was not much lesse magnificent, then what _Vitruvius_ hath declared.

Furthermore, besides the aforementioned round _Temples, Vitruvius_ in the same Chapter tels us, that, _generibus aliis constituuntur ædes, ex iisdem symmetriis ordinatæ, & alio genere dispositiones habentes. The_ Romans _built them after other manner of inventions, following the same proportions, and having their disposures after another kinde_. Of which, if vouchsafed to posterity the descriptions, some of them might have been found, not only agreeable in _Aspect_, but happily of the very self same form also, as this _Temple Stoneheng_ doth appear.

Now considering this discourse may happen into the hands of those, who cannot by words so easily apprehend things of this _Art_, I have for their satisfaction brought into _Design_, the plants of both the aforesaid _Temples_ mentioned by _Vitruvius_, whereby their conformity with _Stoneheng_, and the invention thereof taken from them, is more clearly manifested.

_A_

The Plant of the _Monopteros_.

_B_

The _Order_ of _Pillars_ which continued round about it, to which the outward circle (of Pillasters) in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, directly corresponds, as will appear in the second Figure thereof, formerly described by the Letter _I_.

The _Design_ follows.

_C_

The Plant of the _Peripteros_.

_D_

The _Portico_ continuing about the _Cell_.

_E_

The Circular _Cell_ enclosed with a wall, which in the _Temple Stoneheng_, to vary the invention, was converted into an _Hexagonall_ form, and in stead of walling it round about, the _Architect_ as said before, left it wholly open, as most agreeing with the nature of the _Deity_ to whom consecrate.

The Design follows.

By the Plants of which said _Roman Temples_, although it is plainly manifest, from whence the invention of _Stoneheng_ was taken: yet, that it may more clearly be understood, I have, unto the _Order_ of pillars which makes the _Portico_ of the last of those _Temples_, applied the _Architectonicall Scheam_ by which our _Antiquity_ was formed; whereby the intersection of the severall triangles fully demonstrates after what manner the greater _Hexagon_ made open at _Stoneheng_, was raised from the solid wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_F_

The Rank of _Pillars_ which made the _Portico_ of the _Peripteros_.

_G_

The _Architectonicall Scheam_ by which _Stoneheng_ formed.

_H_

The circular wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_I_

After what manner the stones of the greater _Hexagon_ at _Stoneheng_, were raised from the circumference of the said wall.

The Design follows.

But, before deliver my judgment, unto which of their _Deities_ this _Temple Stoneheng_ was anciently dedicated by the _Romans_, I shall give you some customs in force amongst the _Ancients_, relating the _Decorum_ used by them, in building their particular _Temples_: whereby, those several opinions seemingly conclusive to whom _Stoneheng_ sacred, may more evidently appear invalid, and my own more apparently probable. Those therefore that endevour the searching out _Antiquities_ of _Architecture_, must amongst others, especially prescribe to themselves five things to be guided by. _viz._ _The Situation_, _Aspect_, _Manner_, _Form_, and _Order_ of the work as in use amongst the _Ancients_. For, inventing the severall ornaments of _Architecture_, at first for honour and distinction onely of their _Deities_, they appropriated to each of them particular _situations_, precise _forms_, peculiar _Orders_, according to the severall qualities, in regard whereof adored by them.

The _situation_ of the _Temples_ to _Venus_, _Mars_, _Vulcan_, they ordained to be chosen without their Cities, as those which moved mens minds to lasciviousnesse, wars, and devastations. Within their Cities they placed the _Temples_ of the Patrons of _Chastity_, _Peace_, good _Arts_: and of such Gods also, to whom the Protection of their Cities committed. To _Pallas_, _Mercury_, and _Isis_ the chief Presidents of Artificers, and Merchants, they built _Temples_ near the Market places, or upon the Market places themselves. To _Apollo_ and _Bacchus_ near the _Theater_. To _Hercules_ near the Cirque or _Amphitheater_. Unto _Æsculapius_ and _Salus_, in places most of all others healthfull, and near to pure streams, and waters; because the infirm people, coming out of a pestilent and contagious _Aire_, to that which was good and healthfull, by drinking those waters might the sooner, and with lesse difficulty be recovered, whereby zeal to those supposed _Deities_ encreased.

The _Aspect Hypæthros_, mentioned before, of which _Stoneheng_ appears built, was proper only to some of their Gods, as shall be remembred in due time: the other _five_ (needlesse here to name) were indifferently disposed, sometime to one, and sometime to another _Deity_, as the magnificence of the _Temples_ to be built required, and, as to be made with _Portico’s_ or without.

The _Manner_, which _Vitruvius_ distinguishes into five kinds, according as the intercolumnes are of five severall proportions, was only so far forth peculiarly appropriated to their _Deities_, as it was agreeable to the proper _Order_, otherwise they followed the greatnesse of the Work.

But, to each of them appropriating particular forms of _Temples_; to some of their Gods, they made them of a round form, to others quadrangular, to others of many angles: some of them having their _Temples_ covered, with roofs over them; others again built uncovered, without any manner of roofs at all: As, our _Antiquity Stoneheng_.

Lastly, the _Order_ of which they built them, was so diligently observed, according to the peculiar qualities of their _Deities_, that seldom or never they varied: as in fit place I shall remember. These aforesaid rules also were so firmly observed by the _Ancients_, that even at first sight the _Roman Architects_ of old were able to judge, to what _Deity_, this, or that _Temple_ sacred: and the modern _Italian Architects_, by the ruines of them at this day, give such notable testimonies towards the discovery of them, as are very hardly to be contradicted. Whosoever desires more of this, may read _Vitruvius_, _Leo Baptista Albertus_, and other Authors writing of _Architecture_. That then we may arrive to a degree of certainty unto whom our _Stoneheng_ anciently dedicated; some such _Deitie_ of the _Romans_ is to be found out, in whose honour they built _Temples_, not only in such _situations_ as this at _Stoneheng_; but with whole nature or quality the _Form_ and _Aspect_ thereof may be agreeable also; and the _Order proper_. For, whosoever goes about to enforce other reasons, do as I conceive but beat the air, neither can they reduce this _Antiquity_ to any probable Originall.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1 & 2._]

[Sidenote: _Fab. Cal._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

To which of the _Roman_ Deities _Stoneheng_ consecrated, are, as I said before, severall opinions. Some presume it sacred to _Diana_, but upon what ground their conjecture is raised, considering both the _Aspect_ and _Manner_ of this _Temple_ utterly different from those the _Ancients_ used to dedicate to Her, I cannot conceive; for, the _Manner_ of the _Temples_ erected to _Diana_, was _Diastylos_, i.e. _columnis ampliùs patentibus_, made with large and void spaces: the _Aspect_ of that at _Ephesus_ was _Dipteros_; that at _Magnesia Pseudodipteros_: which _Manner Hermogenes_ inventing to save expence and labour, though he left out the _Order_ of pillars within, and thereby the _Portico_ came to be more large, yet the _Aspect_ continued still the same. And, as in the _Aspect_ and _Manner_, so likewise in the _Order_ and _Form_ it’s different: that, at _Ephesus_ aforesaid being of the _Ionick Order_, the _Order_ peculiarly appropriated to _Diana_, and quadrangular: of the same _Form_ also, was that at _Magnesia_ aforesaid, and so likewise the _Romans_ built them, as by the now Church of S. _John_ Evangelist at the _Latian_, or _Latine_ Port, anciently the Temple of _Diana_; and that in Mount _Aventine_ also, the chief of her _Temples_ in _Rome_, fully appears. The _situation_ of the Temples dedicated to her, was in groves, whence _Vitruvius_ cals her grovy _Diana_.

_Ecce suburbanæ templum nemorale Dianæ_, saith _Ovid_. _See where_ Diana’s _grovy Temple stands_.

In which sort _Virgil_, _Pliny_, and other Authors also tell us her Temples were always sited. The _Architecture_ therefore of the Temples to _Diana_, and this at _Stoneheng_ being so far different, there is no probable reason _Stoneheng_ should be suppos’d dedicated to her.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 3. cap. 18._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 64._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 517._]

[Sidenote: _Ibid. fo. 366._]

[Sidenote: _Strab. li. 16._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 490._]