Mausoleum of Augustus

Question 1

what was the Mausoleum of Augustus made out of

Answer 1

brick walls clad in white marble on top of an earthen mound.
2 pink granite obelisks on either side of the enterance.
The structure was surrounded by parkland.

Question 2

what was literal purpose the Mausoleum of Augustus

Answer 2

A large tomb to hold Augustus’ remains as well as those of the imperial family.

Question 3

when was the Mausoleum of Augustus built

Answer 3

construction began in 28BCE.
It was opened to the public in 27BCE.
Work was completed in 23BCE

Question 4

Where was the Mausoleum of Augustus

Answer 4

On the Campus Martius, close to the river Tiber

Question 5

what is the Campus Martius

Answer 5

Translates to ‘the field of Mars’.
It is an area outside of the city walls, that before Augustus was underdeveloped, but became a major focus for Augustan building schemes.
It was traditionally where the Roman army set out for campaigns from.
It was the loaction for the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Pantheon, the Ara Pacis and a very large Horologium to name a few things.

Question 6

why was the Mausoleum of Augustus located at Campus Martius

Answer 6

It was an underdeveloped part of Rome (uncommon), additionally it was outside the city walls which is particularly important because burial was not allowed within the city walls.

Question 7

outside + inside

Describe the structure of the Mausoleum of Augustus

Answer 7

It was a circular structure that was 42 meters high, 90 meters in diameter and was supported by an earthen mound it sat on.
On top it held a bronze statue of Augustus.
Inside it held space for multiple burials whcih were each marked by individual epitaphs.

Question 8

What happened regarding the Mausoleum of Augustus when Augustus died

Answer 8

in 14CE decades after the mausoleum was built Augustus died and his remains were cremated and put inside. Two bronze pillars were set up outside and inscribed with the Res Gestae.
The Mausoleum continued to be used throughout the Julio-Claudian dynasty. However Augustus’ disgraced daughter, Julia, was denied burial there.

Question 9

what was the implicit purpose of the Mausoleum of Augustus

Answer 9

It conveyed power and authority and wealth
- It was a large and visible statement, with substantial impact of the cityscape.
- It was much larger than other tomb structures in Rome, showing off Augustus’ wealth and influence.
- Symbolised the then young Octavian’s commitment to Rome and Rome’s importance as the centre of the Empire. Which differentiated Augustus (Octavian) from Antony, since Antony had planned to be buried in Alexandria.

Part of the plan to aggrandize Rome

Question 10

What themes is Mausoleum of Augustus relevant to

Answer 10

Power - strong commited ruler
Family - even after death his Mausoleum was a day out for families to enjoy the parkland/ his family and close friends were also buried there
peace and legacy - symbol of stability and continuity
wealth - sheer size and expense