Built by Augustus in 28 BC on the Campus Martius after his victory at Actium, this vast circular tomb proclaimed Rome’s new imperial order and became the burial place of much of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, including Augustus himself. One of the ancient world’s largest tombs, it featured concentric rings, a central burial chamber for golden urns, obelisks, and inscriptions of Augustus’ achievements. Over centuries it was plundered, buried, fortified, and reused as a garden and later a concert hall. In the 20th century it was recast as an archaeological monument, and after long neglect it reopened to the public in 2021 amid ongoing restoration.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain