Mausoleo di Augusto, A Monument to Imperial Majesty and History

Piazza Augusto Imperatore

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Introduction

The Mausoleum of Augustus is a tomb of ancient Roman emperors, built in 28 BC. Originally located in the Rome's Field of Mars, it now stands in the Piazza Augusto Imperatore. Due to its age and lack of proper upkeep, the tomb has been damaged. However, it remains one of the main buildings on the north side of the Field of Mars and leaves a profound impression on visitors. "Augustus" means "sacred" and "noble" and originally referred to the first Roman Emperor, Octavian. He was the founder of the Roman Empire and the creator of the imperial system of government. The Mausoleum of Augustus was built under his leadership. The Mausoleum is circular and consists of several concentric rings planted with many cypress trees. It has a conical top and a statue of Augustus. On either side of the arched entrance are a pair of pink granite obelisks, now located respectively in the Esquiline Square and the Quirinale Fountain. The Mausoleum has a diameter of 90 meters and a height of 42 meters. A passage leads from the entrance to a central room with three niches where the golden urns of the royal family are kept. After the fall of the Roman Empire, many European nobles used "Augustus" as a male name, especially within the Holy Roman Empire. Although the Mausoleum of Augustus is no longer open to visitors, it remains an essential part of Rome's historical and architectural heritage.