Temple of Mars Ultor
Archaeological Site Ancient temple in Forum of Augustus, Rome
Within Augustus’s Forum, the Temple of Mars Ultor features restored column bases and sculpted reliefs; tourists study imperial propaganda, carved friezes and the forum’s axial layout near Trajan’s Column.
The Temple of Mars Ultor is the principal temple of the Forum of Augustus in Rome, completed and dedicated in 2 BC. It was built as part of Augustus’s imperial forum and served a ceremonial role in Roman public religion.
Visitors see the temple podium, foundations and remaining architectural fragments as part of the archaeological area of the Imperial Fora; the surviving podium and steps mark the temple’s original footprint. The temple originally stood within an enclosed forum that displayed imperial sculpture and reliefs.
Augustus vowed the temple of Mars Ultor in 42 BC and completed it as a public and ceremonial monument in 2 BC to mark imperial authority and commemorate military victories. The site later suffered decay and partial burial before modern excavations revealed the temple’s podium and layout.
The temple occupies a site within the Forum of Augustus in central Rome, between the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Hill, adjacent to the modern Via dei Fori Imperiali.
- Founding and dedication: Vowed by Augustus before the Battle of Philippi and formally dedicated in 2 BC, it formed the focal point of the Forum of Augustus complex in Rome.
How to Get to Temple of Mars Ultor #
Located within Rome’s archaeological axis of the Roman Forum and Fori Imperiali. Enter via Colosseo/Foro sites (nearest metro Colosseo, Line B). Combined archaeological tickets include access to the area.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Mars Ultor #
- See the Forum of Augustus early in the day to appreciate the Temple of Mars Ultor's axial relationship to imperial monuments with fewer crowds and softer light.
- Read inscriptions and look for the temple's remaining reliefs that reference the spoils of war - the temple was part shrine, part war-memorial.
- Combine a visit with the Palatine Hill to understand Augustus' use of landscape and architecture.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Mars Ultor #
Best in spring and autumn; summer can be hot and crowded, winter quieter but cooler.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Mars Ultor #
Temple of Mars Ultor'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.
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