While the ancient Roman Forum (the old beating heart of Rome) and the awe-inspiring Colosseum tend to get much of the attention of those visiting Rome today, there are plenty of other ancient Roman ruins. Some of the ancient Roman attractions are odd - like the bizarre Mouth of Truth (which may or may not bite off the hands of liars). Another attraction is the Mausoleum of Augustus - a large tomb housing Roman Emperors.

The Mausoleum is one of the impressive structures of Rome that has seen a number of uses over the years. It has gone from a tomb to a fortification to a circus to a concert hall. Many of the Roman monuments that have survived did so by finding other uses - like the Patheon of Rome was converted to a Catholic Church.

What To Know About Emperor Augustus & The History Of The Mausleum Of Augustus

Caesar Augustus was born Gaius Octavius and was the named adopted son of Julius Caesar. After a long civil war Augustus, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus defeated the assassins of Caesar. They then carved the Roman Republic between them, but that arrangement soon fell apart.

After Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium he became the first Roman Emperor (Maruc Lepidus was later executed). Augustus spent this long reign consolidating the Roman Empire, building major infrastructure, and ushering in the period of the Pax Roma (or Roman Peace). He reigned from 27 BC to AD 14 and is considered one of the greatest leaders of Rome.

He built the Mausoleum of Augustus soon after he returned from Egypt in 28 BC following his victory at Actium in 31 BC. It was built in a circular plan and was possibly inspired by Ancient Greek mausoleums.

Over the years, some of the features of the Mausoleum of Augustus have disappeared over time. They were once two obelisks guarding the entrance and there was a conical roof that may have had a statue of Augustus. Additionally, there was also the Res Gestae Divi Augusti - a bronze inscription that detailed the accomplishments of Emperor Augustus.

The mausoleum was badly damaged by the Visigoths when they sacked Rome in 410 AD.

Other the ensuing centuries, the area was gradually buried, and a fortification was built on the top of the tumulus. That fortification was later demolished, and the mausoleum was even used as a concert hall during the 20th century. It was during the Middle Ages that the old Mausoleum was fortified for a time (the Mausoleum of Hadrian was also fortified in the Middle Ages). The Mausoleum was then used as a circus and a concert hall.

Related: This Ancient Aqueduct Is The Most Impressive & Best Preserved Roman Ruin

The Mausoleum Of Augustus - The Giant Circular Tomb Of Roman Emperors

Emperor Augustus was buried in the mausoleum following his death. Following his death, other emperors were also placed there until Nerva in 98 AD. It was used for around a century and was only abandoned after later emperors started to build mausoleums for themselves.

Roman Emperors In Mausoleum Of Augustus

• Augustus
• Tiberius
• Caligula
• Claudius
• Nerva

There were also a large number of members of Augustus's family placed there - including his wife.

• Mausoleum Of Augustus Diameter: 87 Meters (295 feet)
• Mausoleum Of Augustus Height: 42 meters (137 feet)

The mausoleum has the urns of the ashes of some of Augustus's relatives (it is thought that Augustus' urn is in the central cylinder). The central cylinder was originally 40 meters high and with the bronze statue of the emperor, it would have been visible for miles around.

Related: Visit The Pantheon In Rome To See One Of Its Most Well-Preserved Ancient Ruins

Planning A Visit To The Mausoleum Of Augustus Today

The Mausoleum of Augustus is the largest circular tomb in the world and is very much worth visiting. Since 2021, the Mausoleum of Augustus has been restored and is now open to the public (it had been closed for 14 years for renovations). The plan had been to have it restored in time for the 2,000-year anniversary of Augustus's death.

• Address: Mausoleo di Augusto, Piazza Augusto Imperatore
• Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (April 22 to September 30)
• Admission Fee: 5 Euros

The Mausoleum of Augustus is open year-round, although the exact opening hours vary seasonally - refer to its website before planning a trip. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. Note that entrance is limited to a maximum of 10 people every hour.

Anyone who would like to see the large pink granite obelisks can see them at the Piazza dell'Esquilino and at the Quirinal fountain. Unfortunately, the giant bronze statue of Augustus has been lost to the world.

Take the time to plan one's visit to Rome in advance - there are a lot of Roman ruins to be seen and a lot of walking to do.