Mausoleum of Augustus

The Mausoleum of Augustus is a remarkable architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire. Built by the first Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC, this imposing tomb is located in the heart of Rome, Italy, on the Campus Martius. The mausoleum is situated in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, near the corner with Via di Ripetta, overlooking the majestic Tiber River. Covering an expansive area equivalent to several city blocks, the Mausoleum of Augustus is a significant historical site that attracts visitors from around the world.

The construction of the mausoleum was initiated by Augustus following his victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The circular design of the mausoleum consisted of multiple concentric rings of earth and brick, adorned with travertine on the exterior and adorned with cypress trees on the upper level. The structure was crowned by a conical roof and a colossal bronze statue of Augustus, which once stood proudly atop the mausoleum. Twin obelisks of pink granite flanked the arched entrance, adding to the grandeur of the monument.

As visitors enter the mausoleum, they are greeted by a corridor that leads to the central chamber, where three niches hold the golden urns containing the ashes of the Imperial Family. The pillars flanking the entrance are adorned with bronze plaques inscribed with the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, detailing Augustus's accomplishments and victories. Surrounding the mausoleum is a beautifully landscaped park, reminiscent of modern public parks, providing a serene retreat in the bustling urban landscape of the Martius campus.

Currently undergoing restoration, the Mausoleum of Augustus is set to reopen to the public in April 2019, allowing visitors to marvel at its architectural splendor and historical significance. This iconic monument serves as a poignant reminder of Rome's rich history and the legacy of Emperor Augustus, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire. A visit to the Mausoleum of Augustus is a must for history enthusiasts and tourists alike, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the ancient world of Rome and witness the enduring legacy of one of its most influential leaders.

Emperor Augustus, after visiting the tomb of Alexander the Great in Alexandria, decided to build a magnificent tomb for himself and his family on the Campus Martius. Work began in 30 BC upon his return to Rome after the war against Antony and Cleopatra that led to the conquest of Egypt. The Mausoleum of Augustus is the largest circular tomb ever known, with a diameter of approximately 87 meters.

When the mausoleum was completed in 28 BC. C. was easily the largest tomb in the Roman world, a record it held throughout the Roman period.

Among those whose remains were placed inside the mausoleum before Augustus' death were: Marcus Claudius Marcellus (who was the first to be buried there, in 23 BC), Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 12 BC, Nero Claudius Drusus in year 9 BC, Octavia Minor (Augustus' sister) in the year 9 or 11 BC, Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar, grandchildren and heirs of Augustus.

After the death of Augustus, the mausoleum housed the ashes of: Livia (wife of Augustus), Germanicus, Agrippina the Elder, daughter of Agrippina Julia Livilla, Nero Julius Caesar, Drusus Caesar (son of Germanicus), Caligula, Tiberius, Drusus Julius Caesar (son of Tiberius), Antonia Minor (mother of Claudius), Claudius, Britannicus (the son of Claudius), the embalmed body of Poppaea Sabina wife of Nero,
Julia Domna (later moved to Hadrian's Mausoleum), and Nerva, the last emperor for whom the mausoleum was opened.

In January 2017, Italian authorities announced that, due to a €6 million grant from Telecom Italia, the Mausoleum of Augustus would receive a comprehensive restoration allowing it to open to the public for the first time since the 1970s. When the Mausoleum opens in April 2019, it will be fully restored and will incorporate a multimedia exhibition that will project images of modern and ancient Rome on the walls of the structure. A previous intention to restore the Mausoleum in time to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Augustus' death in 2014 failed due to lack of funds.