Augustus

Master of Actium

Richard Hodges introduces the Emperor Augustus’ city of victory at Actium and interviews its renowned excavator, Kostas Zachos.

Rome versus the Egyptian priesthood

Sean P Rigby explores Roman influence on the post-pharaonic religious life of Egypt.

After centuries of reuse and years of closure, the Mausoleum of Augustus is now open to visitors. Dalu Jones examines the structure’s long history and how, with its neighbour the Ara Pacis, it forms a modern monumental complex to the ancient emperor in the heart of Rome.

Below This 2,000 year old stone, which once marked the pomerium, the sacred boundary of the ancient city of Rome, was discovered during excavations in the Piazza Augusto Imperatore. It is now on temporary display in the Ara Pacis Museum fittingly, next to a statue of the Emperor Claudius and will eventually be displayed at the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Rare Roman boundary stone

The travertine stone bears an inscription detailing Claudius’ titles and honours

The Past

Rare stone marking the border of ancient Rome unearthed

Only ten other stones of this kind have been discovered in Rome – the last was unearthed 100 years ago.

Museums and monuments

World news stories covering the restoration of the Mausoleum of Augusts (Rome), the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece (Belgium), and a sculpture of the capital of the Kingdom of Ghana.

The Aeneid: A New Translation

The great epic by Roman poet Virgil (or Vergil; 70-19 BC) became an instant classic. His Aeneid was celebrated by other poets and the imperial family, and taught in schools in antiquity (indeed, it is still taught in some schools…