The Temple of Divus Augustus rose between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, standing behind the Basilica Julia. It occupied the site of a house where Augustus had lived before entering public life in the mid-1st century BC. Roman coinage reveals that the original structure followed an Ionic hexastyle design. This architectural plan featured six columns across its front facade. The temple's exact size and physical proportions remain unknown to modern scholars. Provincial temples like the one in Pula were built during Augustus' lifetime, but Rome resisted his deification until after death. A sanctuary began at Nola in Campania following the emperor's passing there.
Construction And Dedication Politics
Roman Senate vows for this temple came shortly after the emperor died in AD 14. Ancient sources disagree on whether Tiberius and Livia constructed it together or if Tiberius acted alone. Completion did not arrive until after Tiberius passed away in 37 AD. His successor Caligula finally dedicated the finished structure. Some historians argue delays showed Tiberius held little regard for his predecessor's honors. Other evidence suggests Tiberius planned a final journey from Capri to dedicate the temple himself. He died at Misenum on the Bay of Naples before reaching Rome. Scholar Ittai Gradel views the long building phase as proof of painstaking construction effort.Caligula ordered exceptional festivities during the last two days of August 37. Cassius Dio recorded that horse races ran along with the slaughter of 400 bears. An equal number of wild beasts from Libya also perished during these events. The emperor postponed all lawsuits and suspended mourning periods so no one could miss the celebrations. August was chosen deliberately since it was the month when the late emperor had died. The climax occurred on Caligula's birthday and the final day of his consulship. This combination emphasized Caligula as Augustus' direct descendant. Claudius later ordered a statue of Livia raised within the sanctuary. Vestal Virgins performed sacrifices in her honor under this new arrangement.Fire Destruction And Imperial Redesign