Milliarium Aureum, Archaeological monument in Roman Forum, Italy
The Milliarium Aureum was a marble column covered with gilded bronze located near the Temple of Saturn in ancient Rome. Today only archaeological remains are visible, including a marble cylinder with remnants of bronze hooks.
Emperor Augustus commissioned the monument in 20 BCE to create a central reference point for distance measurements across the empire. The column marked the symbolic starting point of all Roman roads.
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The remains are located in the Roman Forum area near the Temple of Saturn and are best visited during a walk through the ancient ruins. General access to the Forum is required to reach this archaeological site.
The saying all roads lead to Rome originated from the concept embodied by this monument. Ancient sources mention that main roads throughout the empire were measured from this exact spot.
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