The Temple of Augustus and Rome, also known as the Monumentum Ancyranum, is a Roman temple located in the Ulus district of Ankara, Turkey. Built between 25 and 20 BCE, it was constructed to honor the cult of Augustus and the goddess Roma following the annexation of Galatia into the Roman Empire.
The structure is most significant for the inscriptions carved into its walls, which preserve the 'Res Gestae Divi Augusti'—the political testament of Emperor Augustus. These texts, written in both Latin and Greek, provide a comprehensive account of the emperor's achievements and remain one of the most important epigraphic sources for understanding the early Roman Empire.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Marble
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Accessible via public street in the Ulus district
- Date(s)
- 25-20 BCE
- Condition
- Partially ruined, standing walls with significant inscriptions
- Original Function
- Imperial cult temple
- Key Figures
- Augustus, Pylamenes of Galatia
Construction and Dedication
25-20 BCEThe temple was built shortly after the Roman annexation of the Galatian kingdom. It served as a center for the imperial cult, reinforcing Roman authority in the newly integrated province.
Byzantine Transformation
4th-6th century CEFollowing the rise of Christianity, the temple was converted into a church. During this period, some of the original architectural features were modified, and windows were cut into the walls containing the inscriptions.
Modern Rediscovery
16th century - presentThe site gained international scholarly attention in the 16th century when European travelers rediscovered the inscriptions. Systematic archaeological documentation has since focused on preserving the text of the Res Gestae.
Cultural Significance
The temple serves as a unique intersection of Roman imperial ideology and local Anatolian history. By housing the Res Gestae, it functioned as a permanent, public record of imperial legitimacy, effectively projecting the power of Rome into the heart of the Galatian province.
Today, the site is a focal point for epigraphers and historians studying the transition from the Roman Republic to the Principate. It remains a symbol of Ankara's deep historical layers, bridging the gap between the ancient Roman world and the modern Turkish capital.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing discussion regarding the exact architectural influence of the temple, with some scholars debating whether it follows a strictly Roman or a hybrid Greco-Anatolian design. Additionally, the degree to which the local Galatian population engaged with the imperial cult versus viewing it as an imposed administrative requirement remains a subject of debate.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
The site is located in an open urban area and is accessible to the public. No formal entry fee is required, but visitors should respect the historical nature of the ruins.
Best Times to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, as the site is outdoors and exposed to the elements. Early morning hours offer the best light for reading the inscriptions.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted. Commercial photography requires local municipal authorization.
Nearby POIs
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- Materials
- Stone, Marble
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Accessible via public street in the Ulus district