The Temple of Saturn is the oldest temple in the forum, consecrated c. 498 B.C., and built earlier, during the period of the kings of Rome. It was rebuilt 2 times. The Temple of Saturn was destroyed in 42 B.C. and then in A.D. 283, and then rebuilt under Diocletian. The Roman winter solstice festival of Saturnalia began with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn. Saturday is named for him.
Saturn was a Roman agricultural god paired with the Greek god Cronos.