Afshin A.
Yelp
A week ago, when we were in Rome, we walked by the Mausoleum of Augustus. Although it was closed for renovations and we couldn't go inside, the building made a strong impression on us. The large circular structure stands out in the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, reminding visitors of the ancient city's greatness amid modern surroundings. I took some photos and admired its size and symmetry, imagining how majestic it must have been in the past. Later, I learned online about its significance, not just as the resting place of Rome's first emperor, but as a symbol of the start of the imperial era.
Augustus built the mausoleum around 28 BC after defeating Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, which made him the sole ruler of Rome. Over the years, it changed many times; it became a fortress, a garden, a concert hall, and eventually fell into ruin. Recent restoration efforts aim to revive it as an important archaeological site. If I go back to Rome, I would like to visit inside and see the restorations, and stand in the place where a major historical figure chose to be remembered.