Reconstrution by G. Gatti (from Boatwright)

Temporal Context:

The monumental tomb of Augustus was undoubtedly of the first projects he planned, but the precise dates are quite unclear. Work began perhaps as early as 32 BC and the structure was substantially completed by 28 or 27 BC (Rehak 36, Zanker 73-75). However, it is the historical context, rather than the precise dates which is most informative. Why should Augustus have planned a monumental tomb for himself even before his power was fully established?

Early in his career, he wanted to develop his public image as a restorer and protectorof the Roman Republic. In the midst of the Civil War with Antony, the great mausoleum project attempted to demonstrate that he was the only one great enough to restore order in troubled times.

But as Augustus consolidated his power, the symbolic emphasis of the Mausoleum began to be for the development and framing of his legacy. As time passed, the architectural details came to reflect the successes of the man and the messages that he intended to preserve for the future.