Temple of Mars Ultor, Roman temple in Forum of Augustus, Italy
The Temple of Mars Ultor is a Roman temple in the Forum of Augustus, Italy. Three tall Corinthian columns still stand at the eastern end of the forum, reaching 15 meters in height.
Emperor Augustus vowed to build the structure in 42 BCE after his victory at Philippi against the killers of Caesar. The sanctuary was finally dedicated in 2 BCE after decades of construction work.
The name honors Mars as the Avenger and recalls the punishment of those who plotted against Caesar. Senators gathered here before departing for campaigns and returned to dedicate their weapons.
The remains include a high podium, marble architectural fragments, and decorative elements now on display at the Museum of the Imperial Forums. The walkway passes the base of the columns and offers a view of the preserved steps.
The building followed the peripteros sine postico design with eight columns at the front but none at the back. This layout emerged from the narrow space between the sanctuary and the wall behind the forum.
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