Augustus Temple | Ankara

The Augustus Temple (Augustus Tapınağı) is one of the most significant historical monuments in Ankara, Turkey. Located in the Ulus district, it is an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, the first Roman emperor. The temple holds great historical value due to its association with the early days of the Roman Empire and its connection to the Roman Emperor Augustus, whose reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, a long period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

History and Background

Construction: The Augustus Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, around 25 BCE. It was constructed to honor Augustus and was part of his efforts to solidify his image and power throughout the empire. The temple's construction aligns with Augustus' desire to promote his political propaganda and his connection to the divine, as well as his efforts to stabilize and consolidate his rule after the turbulent period of the Roman Republic.

Historical Significance: The temple is an important example of Roman imperial architecture and is one of the few surviving monuments from the early Roman period in Ankara. It not only reflects the grandeur of the Roman Empire but also highlights the strategic significance of Ankara (formerly Ancyra) in antiquity. The city was an important Roman settlement and served as a key regional center for the empire.

Cultural Role: Augustus used this temple to reinforce his power and legacy, and it was later used for other public and religious purposes. The temple is significant not just for its historical and architectural value but also for its association with the cult of the emperor, which was common in Roman territories.

Architectural Features

Design: The temple is designed in the typical Roman style with a rectangular plan, featuring a cellar (cella) that would have housed a statue of Augustus. The temple’s columns, although much of the original structure has been damaged over the centuries, still give a sense of its former grandeur.

Pillars: The surviving parts of the temple include a few Corinthian columns, which are fluted and feature the classical decorative elements typical of Roman architecture. These columns support a portion of the temple’s remaining structure and are among the few examples of ancient Roman columns still standing in Ankara.

Frieze and Inscription: The temple’s walls and the remaining pieces of its frieze were once adorned with inscriptions that celebrated the achievements of Augustus. One of the most famous inscriptions found here is the "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Deeds of the Divine Augustus), a monumental inscription detailing the accomplishments of Augustus. It provides valuable insights into the emperor's reign, his military victories, and his political and religious reforms.

The Res Gestae Divi Augusti

The Inscription: The Res Gestae is a set of inscriptions that Augustus had erected across the Roman Empire, and the one found at the Augustus Temple in Ankara is of great historical importance. The inscription was placed on the walls of the temple and is considered a monumental declaration of Augustus’ achievements, detailing his victories, his reforms, and his contributions to the Roman state. It offers a first-hand account of his reign and has been invaluable to historians in understanding the foundations of the Roman Empire.

Language and Content: The inscription is written in Latin and provides a direct narrative from the emperor's perspective. It highlights his military successes, his restoration of Roman traditions, and his role in establishing peace after years of civil war. The inscription serves as a piece of political propaganda to solidify his image as a divine ruler and protector of the Roman people.

Significance in Modern Times

Cultural Heritage: The Augustus Temple is one of the most important ancient ruins in Ankara and serves as a reminder of the city’s long history. Although much of the temple has been lost to time and various natural and man-made factors, the remains of the structure and the inscription continue to attract visitors, scholars, and historians interested in Roman history and archaeology.

Tourist Attraction: Today, the Augustus Temple is a popular tourist attraction. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore one of the few remaining Roman monuments in Ankara. The Res Gestae Divi Augusti inscription, in particular, offers a glimpse into Roman imperial ideology and Augustus’ view of his own legacy.

Nearby Attractions: The temple is located close to other important landmarks in Ankara, such as the Roman Baths and Hacı Bayram Mosque, which makes it an essential stop on a tour of the ancient parts of the city. Visitors can walk through the historical streets of Ulus and experience the layered history of Ankara, from its Roman and Ottoman past to its present-day significance as the capital of Turkey.

Conclusion

The Augustus Temple is one of the most significant ancient ruins in Ankara, offering valuable insights into the city's Roman past and the reign of Emperor Augustus. Though much of the structure has been lost, the remaining columns and Res Gestae inscription make it a fascinating site for those interested in Roman history and archaeology. It stands as a testament to Ankara's historical significance in the Roman Empire, and visiting it allows one to connect with a pivotal moment in the city’s—and the world's—ancient history.