Secondary sourceArtifactdedicated 29 BC

Temple of Caesar

Augustus · dedicated 29 BC

A temple built by Augustus on the site of Caesar's cremation in the Roman Forum, marking his official deification.

Built on the site of Caesar's cremation, this temple marks his official deification after death.

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A computer-generated 3D model of a white marble Roman temple with a triangular pediment, a row of Corinthian columns across the front, a statue atop the roof, two bronze eagles at the roof corners, and gold railings on stepped terraces. — Temple of Caesar (Temple of Divus Iulius), Roman Forum, dedicated 29 BC. 3D reconstruction model by Lasha Tskhondia.

About this source

What it is

The Temple of Caesar, or Temple of Divus Iulius, was built in the Roman Forum by Augustus, Caesar's adopted son, and dedicated in 29 BC. It stands on the spot where Caesar's body was cremated after his assassination.

Why it matters

After Caesar's death, the Senate declared him a god, and this temple was the result — the first Roman temple dedicated to a deified Roman. Its high platform doubled as a speaker's stand, linking religion and politics in a very visible way. A comet seen after Caesar's death was used as proof that he had risen to the heavens, becoming part of the temple's imagery. The site remains a place where people leave flowers today.

Look closer

Why might Augustus want to build this temple on the exact site of Caesar's cremation?
How did combining a religious shrine with a political speaking platform serve Augustus's own power?
What does the fact that people still leave flowers here tell us about memory and legacy?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Julius Caesar and Augustus on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Manuscript page of Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, with a red-ink title line, a large illuminated initial C with gold and blue decoration, black Latin text in columns, a floral border with blue and red flourishes, a library stamp, and a coat of arms at lower right.

Book

Primary source

Commentarii de Bello Gallico

Julius Caesar · c. 58-50 BCE (this copy 1469)

Engraving of a standing male figure in Roman armor with a draped cloak over one shoulder, a pleated leather-style skirt with decorative lappets, and sandals, resting on a plinth. His right arm is extended outward, left hand holds a small object. The caption below reads Julius Cesar. Monochrome line hatching on a striped background.

Painting

Secondary source

Etched Portrait of Julius Caesar

F. Perrier

Engraved print of the murder of Julius Caesar. On the left, a bearded man with a crown and laurel-like headpiece is stabbed by a man lunging with a dagger; another figure raises a weapon behind. A radiant light and smoke rise above. On the right, an ornate colonnaded interior with a niche holding a statue and an arched doorway. Caption below reads 'Iulius Caesar in stellam' and page number 150.

Painting

Secondary source

Murder of Julius Caesar in the Senate

Book

Primary source

Commentarii de Bello Civili

Julius Caesar · 49-48 BCE

Engraving with a Latin caption reading 'Iulius Caesar Veneris beneficio in Cometam mutatur' (plate 150). A man in a laurel wreath, bare-chested and draped, is embraced by a standing figure and a woman with a star-shaped comet. A winged cupid flies at upper right, and a large cloud fills the background.

Painting

Secondary source

The Murder of Julius Caesar

1606

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