Temple of Mars Ultor

The Temple of Mars Ultor was a special place of worship in Ancient Rome. It was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 2 BCE. The temple was dedicated to the god Mars as an avenger. It stood in the center of the Forum of Augustus.

The temple was designed in a special style called peripteral, with eight columns around the front and sides but not the back.

When Augustus was young, he promised to build this temple if he won a battle. He made this promise after the men who had killed his adopted father, Julius Caesar. The temple was finally completed in 2 BCE. This was a time when Augustus was celebrating his role as a leader.

Inside the temple were huge statues. There was a statue of Mars dressed as a soldier, a statue of the goddess Venus, and a statue of the deified Julius Caesar. The temple was used for worship and also by leaders to discuss important decisions about wars. It was also a place to welcome visitors from other lands.

Over time, the temple was closed and turned into a church. Today, only the ruins of this once-great temple remain.