CHAP V. 
OF THE ASPECTS WHICH ARE MOST APPROPRIATE FOR 
TEMPLES. 
THE temples of the Gods ought to be so placed that the 
statue which has its station in cella, should, if there be 
nothing to interfere with such a disposition, face the west: 
in order that those who come to make oblations and offer 
sacrifices may face the east when their view is directed 
towards the statue: and those who come to impose upon 
themselves the performance of vows, may have the temple 
and the east immediately before them. Thus the statues 
they regard will appear as if rising from the east and looking 
down upon the supplicants. Hence it seems necessary, that 
all the altars of the Gods should face the east. 
But if the peculiar situation of the spot renders such a 
position impossible, the temple should be so situated that 
the principal part of the walls may be seen from it. And 
when temples are built in the neighbourhood of a river they 
should command a view of its banks, like the temples of 
Egypt upon the borders of the Nile. For similar reasons, 
temples which are erected near public streets should be 
situated so as to present themselves readily to the passers by, 
who may perform their salutations whilst they are kept in 
view.