Description of the attraction
The magnificent Temple of Augustus is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. It is a unique monument, erected during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus in 362 AD, immediately after Julian's visit to Ankara. It is located near Ulus Square. The remains of this temple that have survived to this day were last erected by the son of the last Galatian ruler, Amynthos, King Pilamen, as a sign of loyalty to Emperor Augustus.
Today, picturesque ruins remain from the former splendor of the Temple of Augustus - two side walls, as well as a part of the door, which is beautifully decorated around the edges. The walls of the structure between the tomb and the temple are covered with repeating ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions with the so-called "Res Gestae Divi August" - a list of the deeds of Augustus, his will, the original of which is in the Roman Temple, and essays on the history of Rome.
The temple has a very rich history, during which its purpose was constantly changing: after the end of the period of antiquity, the main function of the temple was terminated. Later, after the adoption of Christianity, it became a church, then a wheat warehouse, and at the beginning of the 19th century it housed a museum of stone monuments. In 1944, the temple was destroyed by bombing and almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt after World War II. This happened from 1945 to 1947. Today it houses a small exhibition of antique sculptures made of stone and bronze.
By its shape, the structure is a typical structure of an oblong Roman temple. During the residence of the Byzantines on these lands, some extensions were made here, as well as windows were opened. Plan of the Temple of Augustus consists of four walls with four columns on the sides. Behind the columns are specially designated places used for prayer.
Only two side walls and a part of the door decorated at the edges have survived to this day. This structure is surrounded by a double ring of fortified walls. Moreover, the inner ring was erected in the 6th century AD, and the outer - in the 9th century during the reign of Emperor Michael II.
The Temple of Augustus is located near the Town Hall building, you can walk to it along Kandlerova Street.
