Milliarium Aureum
Monument Ancient Roman milestone marking distances from Rome
The Milliarium Aureum refers to the Golden Milestone of ancient Rome, once thought to mark road distances from the Roman forum. Visitors encounter its site amid the Roman Forum and surrounding archaeological areas.
The Milliarium Aureum was a Roman monument set up in the Roman Forum by Emperor Augustus around 20 BCE and served as the symbolic central milestone of the Roman road network. It was described by ancient authors as a gilded milestone from which distances to cities in the empire were measured.
Surviving evidence is fragmentary and the monument does not survive in its original form; modern visitors see the Forum area where it once stood and secondary fragments and references in museum collections and inscriptions. No intact gilded milestone is visible on site; the location is treated as an archaeological feature within the Roman Forum complex.
The monument was erected by Augustus to mark the imperial capital as the point of origin for Rome’s roads and to symbolize central authority. Over time the original structure was lost and only literary descriptions, later medieval references, and possible architectural fragments remain to attest to its existence.
It is located in the Roman Forum in central Rome, in the Lazio region of Italy, within the archaeological area between the Via Sacra and the Capitoline Hill, in the historic center of the city.
How to Get to Milliarium Aureum #
The Milliarium Aureum (the ancient Roman “Golden Milestone”) stood in the Roman Forum; the site is visited as part of the Forum complex. Reach the Roman Forum on foot from the Colosseo Metro station (Line B) - about a 5-10 minute walk - or from nearby bus stops serving the historic center.
From Roma Termini take Metro Line B one stop to Colosseo, then walk down Via dei Fori Imperiali into the Forum. Driving into central Rome is possible but limited by restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and scarce parking.
Tips for Visiting Milliarium Aureum #
- See the Milliarium Aureum as part of a very early visit to the Roman Forum and Comitium - arriving at opening time (or with an early Colosseum/Forum ticket) gives you the clearest view of the low fragment and interpretive signage before tour groups arrive.
- Access the site while touring the Forum/Palatine rather than looking for it as a standalone sight; it survives only as paving and a small marker in the Comitium area, so many visitors miss it unless they pause for the explanatory plaque.
Best Time to Visit Milliarium Aureum #
Best in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat and heavy crowds; early mornings are ideal for clearer views of the ruins.
Weather & Climate near Milliarium Aureum #
Milliarium Aureum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (705 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
