[47] Why did Romulus build the temple of Vulcan outside the city?
Was it in consequence of Vulcan’s fabled jealousy of Mars because of Venus[109] that Romulus, the reputed son of Mars, did not give Vulcan a share in his home or his city?
Or is this a foolish explanation, and was the temple originally built as a secret place of assembly and council-chamber for himself and his colleague Tatius, that here they might convene with the senators and take counsel concerning public affairs in quiet without being disturbed?
Or was it that since Rome, from the very beginning, has been in great danger from conflagrations, they decided to show honour to this god, but to place his temple outside of the city?[110]