Forum of Augustus
The Forum of Augustus is a monumental square of Ancient Rome, built by order of Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian Augustus. There are five imperial forums in total. The opening of the Forum of Augustus took place in 2 BC. The monument became a symbol of the greatness and praise of Octavian Augustus. It also served as the political and religious center of Ancient Rome.
The Emperor Augustus
Gaius Julius Caesar received the title of Augustus by decision of the Senate. This title was given to rulers like deities. The emperor, who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD, is known in history as a great reformer. During his reign, he directed efforts to increase the wealth of Ancient Rome and make it monumental. Many architectural monuments and buildings have been created for this purpose.
Construction history
Octavian Augustus is the great-nephew and adopted son of Gaius Julius Caesar. He solemnly promised to build a temple in honor of Mars Ultor (known as the Avenger) if Caesar's assassins were defeated. The battle was won, and Octavian fulfilled his promise.
A site located near the Forum of Julius Caesar was chosen for construction. The August Forum was supposed to be just as grand and large-scale. But the Romans lived in the territory designated for it, and the monument was built somewhat smaller than planned. Augustus claimed that the forum and the temple were built on his land, but excavations have shown the presence of remnants of Roman dwellings. This indicates that some of the houses were destroyed. Construction began in 30 BC, but the main stage occurred in 20 BC. The event to which the opening of the Forum of Augustus was timed in 2 AD is called the annual celebration in honor of the god Mars. With the completion of the construction of the forum, Augustus also proclaimed his successor, his grandson Lucius.
Description of the attraction
The appearance of the August Forum solved an important social task - the arrangement of a space for significant ceremonies. The Forum excluded the availability of retail space, unlike the Caesar Forum. It gave him a sense of solemnity.
At the entrance, the Romans found themselves in a large square surrounded by colonnades. A high wall was erected around the forum, which blocked it from residential buildings and served as protection from fires. To this day, the remains of a magnificent wall can be found in Rome, preserved after thousands of years.
In the center of the Forum of Augustus was the Temple of Mars the Avenger, to which three entrances led at once. The temple, like the entire forum, was decorated with marble. In the middle of the wide staircase was an altar, on both sides of which fountains were installed. In the temple, along with the image of Julius Caesar, there was a sculpture of Augustus himself.
To this day, only its ruins have survived from the Forum of Augustus - parts of columns, stairs, medallions with Roman deities, pilasters and other architectural fragments. The surviving artifacts are admired by the talent of ancient architects who managed to create a magnificent monument.
