Did Augustus build the Temple of Mars Ultor?

The Temple of Mars Ultor was a sanctuary erected in Ancient Rome by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 2 BCE and dedicated to the god Mars in his guise as avenger. Augustus however, declared that he would build it at his own expense on the site of his new forum.

Why did Augustus build the Temple of Mars Ultor?

Augustus vowed the temple to Mars, seeking his help in avenging Caesar’s murder. Caesar was a well-liked ruler, so this also helped Augustus gain favor with those who were still mourning the loss of Caesar. Furthermore, it was widely known that Caesar had originally intended to build this temple during his rule.

What was the Temple of Mars Ultor made of?

Luna marble
Constructed largely of Luna marble from the quarries at Carrara, which Augustus was the first to exploit, both the temple and the forum realize his boast, related by Suetonius (XXVIII), that he had “found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble.” Indeed, the white marble of the temple exterior and colored …

What is Mars Ultor?

Under Augustus the worship of Mars at Rome gained a new impetus; not only was he traditional guardian of the military affairs of the Roman state but, as Mars Ultor (“Mars the Avenger”), he became the personal guardian of the emperor in his role as avenger of Caesar. There are several Roman myths about Mars.

Where was the temple of Mars Ultor located?

The Temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) occupied the centre of the eastern side of the Forum of Augustus. It was dedicated by Octavian Augustus in 42 B.C. on the eve of the battle of Philippi fought together with Mark Antony against Brutus and Cassius to avenge the assassination of Julius Caesar, his uncle and adoptive father.

How did the temple of Mars get its name?

The temple was voted by Augustus in 42 BC, before going into battle with the murderers of Julius Caesar Brutus and Cassius, which gave rise to the name of the temple: Ultor = avenger. It is a peripteral temple sine posticum, built on a raised podium.

Who was on the right side of Mars Ultor?

In the middle, a colossal Mars Ultor depicted in full military dress, holding a large spear in his right hand and a shield in his left. On the right side of the god stood a statue of the goddess Venus, with Cupid – it was Venus whom all of the gens Julia claimed descent from.