Arch of Augustus, Rome
Encyclopedia
The Arch of Augustus was the triumphal arch of Augustus
in the Roman Forum
. Dedicated in 29 BC, it commemorates the great battle of Actium
(31 BC) against Antony and Cleopatra. The arch spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux
and the Temple of Caesar
, near the Temple of Vesta
.
A large inscription was found in the same location in 1546 AD, with a dedication to Augustus, so the identification of the arch is certain.
Very little remains of the arch itself, but its appearance is known from coins of the period. It had three passageways, the first such arch in Rome, and served as a model for the Arch of Septimius Severus
, which was the model for the later Arch of Constantine
.
The Arch of Augustus was constructed in 29 BC. This was in celebration of the Battle of Actium, which took place in 31BC. Augustus, then called Octavian ruled the country with Antony, Julius Caesar’s right hand man. Antony was in Egypt with his lover Cleopatra.
Antony and Cleopatra were seen as a threat to Rome and to Antony. The senate was also not happy with the power Antony was gaining. With the senate backing him up, Octavian attacked Antony’s and Cleopatra’s forces. Octavian won and the losers commit suicide, leaving Octavian the soul ruler of Rome.
To celebrate Octavian’s win, an arch was built for in honor of him. This arch is called the Arch of Augustus. Although almost none of it stands today, people know what it looks like because it appeared on many coins. It was the first 3 way arch of its kind, and it was a model for many arches to come. This arch spans the road that is in between the Temple of Castor and
Pollux, and the Temple of Caesar.
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
in the Roman Forum
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum...
. Dedicated in 29 BC, it commemorates the great battle of Actium
Battle of Actium
The Battle of Actium was the decisive confrontation of the Final War of the Roman Republic. It was fought between the forces of Octavian and the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII. The battle took place on 2 September 31 BC, on the Ionian Sea near the city of Actium, at the Roman...
(31 BC) against Antony and Cleopatra. The arch spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux
Temple of Castor and Pollux
The Temple of Castor and Pollux is an ancient edifice in the Roman Forum, Rome, central Italy. It was originally built in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus . Castor and Pollux were the Dioscuri, the "twins" of Gemini, the twin sons of Zeus and Leda...
and the Temple of Caesar
Temple of Caesar
The Temple of Caesar or Temple of Divus Iulius also known as Temple of the Deified Julius Caesar, delubrum, heroon or Temple of the Comet Star, is an ancient structure in the Roman Forum of Rome, Italy, located near the Regia and the Temple of Vesta.-History:It was begun by...
, near the Temple of Vesta
Temple of Vesta
The Temple of Vesta is an ancient edifice in Rome, Italy, located in the Roman Forum near the Regia and the House of the Vestal Virgins. The temple's most recognizable feature is its circular footprint. Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of...
.
A large inscription was found in the same location in 1546 AD, with a dedication to Augustus, so the identification of the arch is certain.
Very little remains of the arch itself, but its appearance is known from coins of the period. It had three passageways, the first such arch in Rome, and served as a model for the Arch of Septimius Severus
Arch of Septimius Severus
The white marble Arch of Septimius Severus at the northwest end of the Roman Forum is a triumphal arch dedicated in AD 203 to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, in the two campaigns against the Parthians of 194/195 and...
, which was the model for the later Arch of Constantine
Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312...
.
The Arch of Augustus was constructed in 29 BC. This was in celebration of the Battle of Actium, which took place in 31BC. Augustus, then called Octavian ruled the country with Antony, Julius Caesar’s right hand man. Antony was in Egypt with his lover Cleopatra.
Antony and Cleopatra were seen as a threat to Rome and to Antony. The senate was also not happy with the power Antony was gaining. With the senate backing him up, Octavian attacked Antony’s and Cleopatra’s forces. Octavian won and the losers commit suicide, leaving Octavian the soul ruler of Rome.
To celebrate Octavian’s win, an arch was built for in honor of him. This arch is called the Arch of Augustus. Although almost none of it stands today, people know what it looks like because it appeared on many coins. It was the first 3 way arch of its kind, and it was a model for many arches to come. This arch spans the road that is in between the Temple of Castor and
Pollux, and the Temple of Caesar.
Sources
- Article from Jstor