The Forum of Augustus is an Imperial-era archaeological site in central Rome, at Piazza del Grillo. Its surviving ruins include the Temple of Mars Ultor, built to honour the god of war and Augustus’ military victories. The remains give a sense of the forum’s original scale, while signs explain its history and political role. Compared with the nearby Roman Forum, this is a quieter stop for looking closely at ancient architecture. At night, illumination gives the stonework a different appearance; a seasonal light and audio show has also been held here.
Augustus’ forum and its purpose
The Forum of Augustus was built by Emperor Augustus to commemorate military victories and reinforce his authority. The project began in 27 BC and the forum was inaugurated in 2 BC. Its design placed political messages within a public space, linking Augustus’ rule with Rome’s military history.
The forum was one of the Imperial Forums, a group of monumental public spaces in central Rome. Its surviving remains are a smaller, quieter visit than the nearby Roman Forum, but they still show the scale and order of the original complex.
The Temple of Mars Ultor
At the far end of the forum stood the Temple of Mars Ultor, or Mars the Avenger. Augustus dedicated it to the god of war in connection with avenging the murder of Julius Caesar and the defeat of Caesar’s killers at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.
The temple is the site’s most striking surviving feature. Take time to look at its remaining structure and consider how the building anchored the forum’s long rectangular space.
Reading the ruins today
Informational signs around the site explain its history and the purpose of its main features. They help place the remaining structures within the larger forum, whose original design included a central open area surrounded by a colonnade.
Via dei Fori Imperiali provides views of the ruins from different angles. The site can also be combined with nearby ancient landmarks, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill.
Evening illumination
The ruins are illuminated at night. Seasonal evening shows with lights, projections and audio have also been held at the Forum of Augustus, recreating aspects of the complex and narrating its monuments. These shows have not run year-round, so check current dates and access details before making plans.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the main feature of the Forum of Augustus?
The Temple of Mars Ultor is the central surviving feature. It was dedicated to the god of war and connected to Augustus’ military victories.
How long does a visit take?
A walk around the ruins takes about 15 minutes. Allow extra time if you want to read the signs or visit nearby archaeological sites.
Can you see the Forum of Augustus at night?
The ruins are illuminated at night. Seasonal light and audio shows have also been held there, but check current dates and access details before going.
Is the Forum of Augustus quieter than the Roman Forum?
It is a quieter and more compact stop than the nearby Roman Forum, making it easier to explore at a slower pace.
