To the east of the Parthenon, visitors to the archaeological site presently encounter the consolidated remains of a structure resting on a foundation of rectangular stones. This constitutes the architectural components of a circular temple, according to the prevailing interpretation, dedicated to the goddess Roma, symbolising the Roman populace, and Emperor Octavian Augustus, as corroborated by the dedicatory inscription on its architrave.
Erected in the late 1st century BCE, the temple commemorated Augustus’ diplomatic and military triumphs against the Parthians. It featured a circular configuration with a diameter of 8.6 metres, devoid of a nave, upheld by nine Ionic columns crafted from Pentelic marble that supported its conical roof. Access to the temple was situated to the eastern side and in its interior, statues of Roma and Octavian would have been positioned, discernible through the intercolumnar spaces. It is believed that the architect of this temple concurrently oversaw the restoration of the Erechtheion, after the damages suffered during the invasion by Sulla in 86 BCE.
Architectural elements, such as the capitals reminiscent of those on the eastern porch of the Erechtheion, the prevalent use of Pentelic marble that was common in most edifices of the Periclean program, as well as the placement of the temple before the Parthenon as its symbolic extension, denote a concerted effort to establish a link between this Roman temple and the architectural grandeur of classical Athens. Furthermore, this implies an endeavour to associate Augustus and Rome with the illustrious history of Athens, as the Parthians, whom the Romans vanquished, represented barbarism and a menace to civilization, akin to how the Persians were perceived by the Greeks.
Nonetheless, this temple eludes mention in accounts by travellers to the Acropolis, including Pausanias, whose comprehensive record of visited sites is well-documented. Evidently, this Roman temple failed to command the same awe in comparison to the Periclean structures on the Acropolis, which overshadowed it.
The Temple of Roma and Augustus stands as the ultimate monumental structure erected on the Acropolis rock, the sole edifice from the Roman era and the first one built in this location to honour a living individual.
