The majestic Rome, which has not aged in its soul over a thousand-year history, beckons everyone who longs to touch eternity. Longevity among the cities will amaze with its splendor and inspire with a wonderful mix of ancient monuments and modern beauty. As the Romans say, life is not enough to get acquainted with all the sights of the charming capital of Italy.
Mausoleum of Augustus - the oldest building in the world
Today's story will go about the monument to the greatest state of antiquity. The tomb built by the powerful emperor is one of the most ancient structures in the world, and it is not possible to get inside it, since it is closed by the authorities for visits.
The huge mausoleum of Augustus in Ancient Rome appeared in the 1st century BC and during its entire history underwent various transformations until the government decided to reconstruct the monument important for posterity.
Decision to build a tomb
After winning the battles in Egypt, Emperor Augustus returned to Rome with a firm decision to build a mausoleum for himself and his loved ones - the last resting place. It is believed that the golden sarcophagus of Alexander the Great in Alexandria made an indelible impression on him. In addition, according to contemporaries, the ruler did not differ in good health and began to think about death early. The official start date for the construction of the tomb, located in the very center of the Field of Mars, is considered 28 BC.
Complex architectural work
The mausoleum of Augustus was in the form of Etruscan burial grounds, that is, it was a conical structure. On the lower structure in the form of a cylinder with a diameter of 87 meters there were five tiers. Immediately there was a 44-meter pillar, on top of which was a bronze sculpture of the emperor. The concrete base, lined with light stone, was a real labyrinth consisting of interconnected rooms and corridors. The passage led to the inner wall, in the niches of which were urns with the ashes of the emperor, his relatives and other figures of ancient Rome.
What else was inside the tomb?
The only entrance was cut down on the south side, near which stood two steles of red granite, brought from Egypt. Symbolizing the victory of Augustus over Cleopatra and Anthony, they were installed following the example of the tombs of the pharaohs, which distinguished from other structures of this kind the mausoleum of Augustus in ancient Rome. Photos of the obelisks currently located in the Quirinale and Esquilino squares and which are important sights of the capital of Italy, are certainly taken by all tourists who admire their modest beauty.
Nearby stood bronze plates that appeared after the death of the ruler. They described the life path of a great politician and the exploits accomplished by the emperor for his people. One can only admire the talent of the ancient masters, painstakingly carving letters on metal.
At the base of the stone tomb was an earthen cone planted with evergreen cypresses.
A hint of unlimited power
At the same time resembling a modest mound and a magnificent tomb, the August Mausoleum was an incredibly complex architectural structure consisting of five concentric walls, to the north of which there was a beautiful park where the Romans walked. According to the researchers, even in the name of the monumental monument there is a hint of the unlimited power of the ruler, with great respect for Alexander the Great.
The death of the great ruler
Curiously, the mausoleum of Augustus in Rome began to function long before the death of the emperor. The first to find eternal peace was his nephew Marcellus, then the ruler buried his beloved friend and ally Agrippa and sister Octavia. Early departed grandchildren of a politician rested there. In August 14 of our era, at the age of 75, the founder of the Roman Empire in the city of Nola died. For several days, warriors mourning their ruler carried the corpse at night, so that the body would not decompose ahead of time. Senators, for whom the departure of Augustus was a huge blow, offered their options for a mourning event where all residents could say goodbye to the "father of the fatherland."
The funeral was held in a solemn atmosphere, and the emperor’s body was burned at the stake next to the mausoleum, after which his ashes were installed in the center of the tomb.
The legend of the emperor’s last wish
There is a beautiful legend telling about the last wish of Augustus. The dying ruler ordered all residents arriving in Rome from other cities to bring a handful of their native land with them and leave it on the tomb so that the memory of the emperor would live forever. For many years, the close connection of the monumental monument with the name of a successful politician was not interrupted.
The fate of the mausoleum
Unfortunately, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the majestic Mausoleum of Augustus was plundered by the Visigoth tribes, who destroyed all the urns with ashes. In the Middle Ages, a noble Roman family turned it into a fortress, which was destroyed after the dynasty was expelled from the city. For many years, wandering artists performed on the ruins, choosing a burial place as a free site. Only in the 20s of the last century archaeological excavations began, and the mausoleum of Augustus (Rome) was finally liberated from soil deposits. The photos of the ruins still convey the amazing power of the building, which has survived over centuries of history moments of glory and oblivion.
Today, it’s impossible to get into the partially restored mausoleum, however, you can admire the ancient tomb of the emperor on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore of the same name.