Augustus and the Tomb of Romulus: Rome's First Monument

While earlier episodes have explored Augustus’s military reforms, infrastructure projects like the Aqua Virgo, and his literary patronage, this episode turns to the physical heart of Roman identity: the Tomb of Romulus. Situated on the Palatine Hill within the Templum Apollinis, this structure was far more than a resting place; it was a political statement about continuity and divine right. We examine how Augustus used the legend of Rome’s founder to legitimize his own rule, linking the mythical founding of the city in 753 BC with his establishment of the Principate. The conversation details the architectural features of the tomb, its location relative to the Temple of Apollo, and the specific rituals that took place there. We also look at the historical evidence from sources like Suetonius and Cassius Dio regarding the placement of Julius Caesar’s urn nearby, creating a sacred space that merged the old republic’s myths with the new imperial reality. This episode explores how architecture can serve as a tool for political stability and how Augustus managed the complex relationship between tradition and innovation. #TombOfRomulus #PalatineHill #TemplumApollinis #JuliusCaesar #ResGestaeDiviAugusti #Suetonius #CassiusDio #RomeHistory #AugustanAge #RomanArchitecture #ImperialWorship #MythologyOfRome #MediterraneanHistory #AncientRome #PoliticalPropaganda #ClassicalAntiquity #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo