Remains from the Julio-Claudian Dynasty in Rome
The obelisk in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was brought to Rome by Caligula
Although the Julio-Claudian dynasty ended in flames as the Great Fire of Rome occurred during the reign of Nero, the dynasty’s fifth and final Emperor, there are still remains to be found from this era all throughout Rome. Five of our favorites are listed below.
1) The Sundial of Augustus – though it’s been debated whether it was used as an actual sundial or meridian line, this monument commissioned by Augustus was dedicated to the sun in 10 BC, the first solar dedication in Rome. Today, its remains sit in a cellar in Rome’s Campus Mauritius area. Email us (Luca & Lorenzo) if you’re interested in viewing it: info@italysbestrome.com.
2) The Obelisk in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica was brought to the Eternal City from Alexandria in 37 BC by Caligula for the Circus of Nero, on top of which the Basilica now stands. Although it was relocated in the 16th century, it remains the only obelisk in Rome to have never topped since Roman times.
3) The remains from the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum, which Caligula had annexed to his palace; he would stand in there to be worshipped.
4) Domus Aurea on Palatine Hill – this was the palace that Nero built for himself after Rome’s Great Fire in 64 AD.
5) The Aqua Claudia and Anio Novus aqueducts built by Claudio, these entered the city in 52 and met at Porta Maggiore.
If you have any other favorite sites that can be traced back to the five Julio-Claudian Emperors–Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero–let us know in the comments below!
