Mausoleum of Caesar Augustus to be Restored

The Mausoleum of Augustus, which has lain in disrepair for decades, is about to undergo a multi-million dollar renovation. The city of Rome recently announced that the project will be funded by the city, the culture ministry and a $6.5 million grant from Telecom Italia (a private company). The mausoleum was constructed in 28 BC out of brick and marble and is 300 feet in diameter. It was the final resting place of the remains of Caesar Augustus, his wife Livia, and the emperors Tiberius, Claudius, Nero and Caligula. The first-century geographer and historian Strabo once described its white marble foundation and the bronze statue of Caesar Augustus, which originally stood at the top. The renovation project includes plans to clean up the trash and weeds which have accumulated through years of neglect, repair the brick and marble remains, and conduct archaeological excavations on parts of the mausoleum that have not previously been examined, as well as add lighted walkways, a multimedia exhibit and a gift shop. Those overseeing the project hope to reopen the Mausoleum of Augustus to the public in 2019.

Off-site Links:
- http://www.archaeology.org/news/5526-170502-rome-augustus-mausoleum
- http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rome-finally-restoring-mausoleum-augustus-180963132/
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/02/last-resting-place-romes-emperors-restored-opened-tourists-5/
- http://www.fredericksburg.com/news/news-wire/ancient-roman-monument-turned-eyesore-gets-needed-makeover/article_47326cff-6d1c-5822-bbc6-a06f11b5251e.html