Hello my friends 👑 Every city has a founding story, but Rome? Rome has many. And one of the most defining chapters in its saga belongs to a man who reshaped the Republic into an Empire: Augustus. As I wandered through the Eternal City, I kept feeling his quiet but commanding presence, not just in ruins or marble, but in the very idea of Rome itself. So let’s take a walk through history, power, and poetry, all wrapped in the legacy of Rome’s first Emperor.
🏛 Who Was Augustus?
Born Gaius Octavius in 63 BCE, he was the adopted heir of Julius Caesar, and after Caesar’s assassination, he rose through cunning and calculation to become Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus, or simply, Augustus. He ended a century of civil wars, founded the Roman Empire in 27 BCE, and ruled for over 40 years.
More than a military strategist, Augustus was a master builder, a branding genius, and a man who knew how to shape legacy. He famously claimed: “I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble.” And it’s true, his fingerprints are all over the city.
🕊️ The Ara Pacis: Altar of Peace
Just a short walk from the Tiber River lies the Ara Pacis Augustae, or “Altar of Augustan Peace.” It was commissioned to celebrate Augustus’ successful campaigns and the peace (Pax Romana) he brought to the empire. The reliefs are breathtaking: imperial family processions, mythological scenes, and symbols of abundance and harmony. It’s not just a monument, it’s political storytelling in stone. Standing in front of it, you can’t help but feel that Augustus wanted to be remembered not just as a conqueror, but as a peacemaker.
Bubbly Tip: The modern museum housing it is stunning, minimalist architecture meets ancient art. Perfect for quiet contemplation (and beautiful photos).
⚱️ The Mausoleum of Augustus
Tucked near Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the Mausoleum of Augustus is massive, and surprisingly under the radar. This circular tomb was where Augustus and his family members were laid to rest. After years of neglect, it has been beautifully restored and reopened to the public. Standing at the edge of the mausoleum, I felt small, in the best way. It’s one thing to read about emperors in books. It’s another to stand where they rest, where memory becomes monument.
🏛 Forum of Augustus: Power in Stone
Built next to the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus was designed to impress. Enormous marble walls, elegant colonnades, and a temple to Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger), dedicated after Augustus’ victory at Philippi. By night, this site transforms, with a spectacular light and sound show that brings the ruins back to life. You hear Augustus’ words, see digital reconstructions, and walk through his world.
Bubbly Tip: If you’re in Rome in spring or summer, this experience is magical, and surprisingly moving.
Final Thoughts: The Echo of an Empire
Augustus wasn’t just the first Roman emperor. He was the architect of an idea: that Rome wasn’t a place, but a destiny. His monuments aren’t only about power, they’re about legacy, narrative, and belief in a grand design.
As I explored his world, I realized that Augustus didn’t build for his time. He built for ours. He wanted us to remember. And in Rome, we do.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or just someone who loves a good story carved in stone, Augustus offers all of it.
xoxo,
Bubbly 💕
