House of Augustus, Roman emperor residence on Palatine Hill, Rome, Italy.
The House of Augustus is a residence complex of the first Roman emperor on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Its rooms spread across two levels and include a central courtyard surrounded by small chambers with painted walls.
The complex formed in the late 1st century BCE from several older houses merged into a single imperial compound. Centuries later, the site was abandoned and forgotten until modern excavations brought the structure back to light in the 20th century.
The name of the residence recalls the first Roman emperor, who lived here in modest rooms while later rulers built more elaborate palaces. Its connection to the nearby temple of Apollo shows how closely personal space and religious authority intertwined in the ancient world.
Access is through the main Palatine pathways, and the rooms are close together, so the whole site can be toured in a short time. On hot days, the covered sections offer shade, while the open courtyards are more comfortable to explore during cooler seasons.
The floor of some rooms is made of black and white mosaic showing geometric patterns that are still visible today. On the walls of certain chambers, tiny details in the paintings include landscapes and mythological scenes that hint at the personal tastes of the occupant.
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