Foro di Augusto (Forum of Augustus), Rome
Augustus was the first Roman emperor, the one who transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. After the assassination of his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, Augustus navigated a series of civil wars, eventually defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra to secure power. His reign, from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD, marked a period of relative peace and stability known as the Roman Peace. During that time, he oversaw significant reforms in government, infrastructure, and the military.
Augustus is also recognized for his ambitious building projects, including the construction of the Pantheon and the Altar of Peace, as well as for fostering a flourishing Roman culture and arts. His leadership solidified the imperial system, making the Roman Empire a dominant force for centuries.
The Forum of Augustus was built in 42 BC after his victory at the Battle of Philippi to fulfill a promise to honor Mars Ultor, the Roman God of War. The central feature of the forum was the Temple of Mars Ultor, which was adorned with numerous statues. At its center stood a statue of Augustus in military attire, accompanied by statues of Mars and Venus.
In total, there were 108 portrait statues in the temple, each with inscriptions detailing their respective person's achievements. Along the left side were the statues of famous Republican leaders honoring Rome's military and political history, while the right side was reserved for figures from the Caesar family, tracing Augustus's lineage back to the founder of Rome, Romulus.
Today, the Forum of Augustus is partially preserved. While much of it lies in ruins, several key elements, such as some of its large marble foundations, columns, and parts of the inner sanctuary of the Temple of Mars Ultor, can still be seen. Although most statues and reliefs no longer exist in their original form, there are depictions and descriptions of the forum's artwork that can be found in historical sources.
Although much of the forum is now underground or obscured by later constructions, the remaining spaces allow visitors to get an idea of its general layout as a place for public business and display of Augustus's power and military achievements.
Augustus is also recognized for his ambitious building projects, including the construction of the Pantheon and the Altar of Peace, as well as for fostering a flourishing Roman culture and arts. His leadership solidified the imperial system, making the Roman Empire a dominant force for centuries.
The Forum of Augustus was built in 42 BC after his victory at the Battle of Philippi to fulfill a promise to honor Mars Ultor, the Roman God of War. The central feature of the forum was the Temple of Mars Ultor, which was adorned with numerous statues. At its center stood a statue of Augustus in military attire, accompanied by statues of Mars and Venus.
In total, there were 108 portrait statues in the temple, each with inscriptions detailing their respective person's achievements. Along the left side were the statues of famous Republican leaders honoring Rome's military and political history, while the right side was reserved for figures from the Caesar family, tracing Augustus's lineage back to the founder of Rome, Romulus.
Today, the Forum of Augustus is partially preserved. While much of it lies in ruins, several key elements, such as some of its large marble foundations, columns, and parts of the inner sanctuary of the Temple of Mars Ultor, can still be seen. Although most statues and reliefs no longer exist in their original form, there are depictions and descriptions of the forum's artwork that can be found in historical sources.
Although much of the forum is now underground or obscured by later constructions, the remaining spaces allow visitors to get an idea of its general layout as a place for public business and display of Augustus's power and military achievements.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Foro di Augusto (Forum of Augustus) on Map
Sight Name: Foro di Augusto (Forum of Augustus)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour
t's a known fact that Rome wasn't built in a day. But since it was built, the city has stood the test of time and become "eternal." A popular proverb says, "all roads lead to Rome," but very few realize that, inside Rome itself, all roads lead to the Forum.
Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour
Rome has long played host to pilgrims鈥攁fter all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual... view more
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...