The original dedication of the temple is traditionally dated to 497 BC,[1][2] but ancient writers disagreed greatly about the history of this site.

His temple housed the treasury, the aerarium,[6] where the Roman Republic's reserves of gold and silver were stored.

The partially preserved pediment displays the inscription: Senatus Populusque Romanusincendio consumptum restituitmeaning "The Senate and People of Rome restored [the temple] consumed by fire."

Examples of the spolia used to construct the Temple of Saturn include Egyptian granite column shafts and a late Republican acanthus frieze.

[5] Based on other cult images of Saturn, the statue of the god in the interior was veiled and equipped with a scythe.