Roman Heritage in Ankara

You can examine the map below to see the Roman Remains in Ankara on the Interactive Map.

Digital Ankyra

The Temple of Rome and Augustus

The Temple of Rome and Augustus is one of the most significant Roman-era monuments in Ankyra, serving as a key example of how imperial ideology was integrated into the urban landscape. Constructed during the process of Galatia's incorporation into the Roman Empire, the temple was an essential component of Emperor Augustus' political and cultural agenda. The temple is located on Hacı Bayram Hill, in an area that previously housed sacred sites associated with Phrygian and Galatian religious traditions. This location is considered a strategic choice, emphasizing Rome’s dominance in the region while maintaining continuity with earlier cult practices. The site is believed to have been a center for the worship of Kybele and Men prior to the Roman period. Architecturally, the temple follows a pseudodipteral plan, representing one of the adaptations of classical Roman temple architecture in Anatolia. Its main entrance faces west, a directional alignment consistent with the traditional orientation of sacred spaces in Anatolian religious architecture.

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Belkıs Column

The Belkıs Column, named after the neighborhood that existed in the area during the Ottoman period, was relocated to its current position in October 1934 after tilting due to the construction of surrounding buildings.

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The Roman Bath

The Roman Bath is situated on an elevated area, 2.5 meters above street level, on the western side of Çankırı Street.

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Cardo Maximus

Positioned at a crucial junction connecting the eastern and western regions of the Empire, the city strengthened its military and commercial functions while also developing in line with Roman urban planning principles.

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The Theater

The Roman Theater is located southeast of the Temple of Augustus and Rome, on the northwestern slope of Ankara Castle, overlooking Bent Deresi.

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Res Gestae Divi Augusti

The Greek Inscription

The Greek inscription is located on the southeastern façade of the temple. During the Ottoman period, it was preserved as it remained within the interior spaces of houses built adjacent to this wall. However, it was also partially damaged due to the nests carved into the wall to place the ceiling beams of these houses. The inscription consists of 35 sections and a appendix, inscribed in 19 columns. The English translation presented here is shared with the permission of Professor Dr. Alison E. Cooley (© A. E. Cooley. 2009. Res Gestae Divi Augusti: Text, Translation, and Commentary, Cambridge University Press). The Turkish translation is published here with the permission of Professor Dr. Turhan Kaçar.

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The Latin Inscription

The Res Gestae Divi Augusti is inscribed in two languages on the walls of the temple. This inscription, which details Augustus' military victories, monuments he commissioned, services provided to the Roman people, and the reforms implemented throughout his political career, is located in Latin within the pronaos of the temple.

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Ottoman, Turkish and English Translations

The translation from Latin was carried out by Giovanni Leonardi, a pharmacist from Ankara. This text was submitted to the Grand Vizierate in 1873 through an expert report, following his correspondence advocating for the preservation of the temple. Further information see: Sökmen Adalı, E., (2022), “Ankara Roma ve Augustus Tapınağı’nı Korumaya Memur Edilmiş Eczacı Giovannı Leonardi’nin Res Gestae Çevirisi", Arkeoloji ve Sanat, (170) 159-178.

The Detailed Photographs

As part of the Digital Ankyra Project, 3D scans of the Temple of Rome and Augustus and the Belkıs Column were conducted. Additionally, photographic documentation was carried out at both sites, while work continues in other areas. The detailed photographs of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti were taken by Prof. Dr. Stephen Mitchell and are shared on this website with his permission. The remaining photographs were obtained from the Anatolian Civilizations Museum Archives, Social Sciences University of Ankara Archive and Emine Sökmen Adalı’s collection.