Temple of Augustus and Rome, Ankara

Nestled in the heart of Ankara, the Temple of Augustus and Rome stands as a testament to the city's ancient past. This archaeological site, dating back to the 2nd century AD, was built to honor the Roman Emperor Augustus. It is one of the few remaining Roman temples in Turkey and serves as a significant historical landmark for both the city and the country.

Constructed during the Roman Empire's expansion into Asia Minor, the temple's architecture is a blend of Greco-Roman design, with Corinthian columns and a traditional Roman podium. Despite the ravages of time, the temple's ruins provide a window into the grandeur of ancient Rome's architectural prowess.

The temple is particularly famous for the "Monumentum Ancyranum," an inscription on its walls that is one of the most important primary sources on Roman history. This inscription contains the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, the autobiographical account of Augustus, detailing his achievements and contributions to Rome's development.

While much of the structure has been lost to history, what remains of the temple's walls and columns still evoke the splendor of the era. The site has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to explore and imagine the original scale and beauty of the temple.

Today, the Temple of Augustus and Rome is not only an archaeological attraction but also a cultural emblem of Ankara's rich heritage. It stands as a reminder of the city's long and diverse history, from its days under Roman rule to its current status as the capital of modern Turkey.