
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 "911±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
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.
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
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
Filmed entirely in the heart of Rome, Roman Holiday is one of those timeless films that beckons you to hop on a Vespa and lose yourself in the intoxicating beauty of the Italian capital. Released in 1953, this beloved classic has captured hearts across generations, thanks to its irresistible blend of romance, adventure, and charm—anchored by two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Audrey Hepburn... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 8.5 Km or 5.3 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II
Rome, the Eternal City, carries a legacy shaped by centuries of resilience, transformation, and cultural flourishing. The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the end of an era, plunging Western Europe into the dark Middle Ages. Yet, even amid the disarray, Rome endured as a beacon of unity, largely due to its status as the center of Catholicism. The papacy wielded spiritual influence,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ 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
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