Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Deified Julius), Rome

Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Deified Julius), Rome

The Temple of Deified Julius, also called the Temple of Caesar, is a significant monument in the Roman Forum, built to honor Julius Caesar. Situated near the Regia and Temple of Vesta, it once stood as the focal point of the Forum, symbolizing the power of the emerging Roman Empire.

Although Julius Caesar was never officially an emperor—that title went to his adopted son Augustus—his actions led to the Republic’s collapse. His appointment as dictator for life alarmed the Roman aristocracy and ultimately led to his assassination. The ensuing political turmoil resulted in the rise of the Empire. The temple was part of this transition, reinforcing the new regime’s authority. Many who had supported Caesar’s murder later backed the temple’s construction, likely to align themselves with the public’s admiration for him.

Caesar became the first Roman to be deified after death and the first to be buried in the Forum. His cremation in 44 BC was spontaneous, happening in the Forum rather than the planned Field of Mars. Given that Roman laws prohibited burials within city limits for hygienic reasons, this was an exceptional honor. A temporary shrine soon emerged at the cremation site, drawing widespread public devotion. Recognizing the significance of Caesar’s deification, the Senate officially decreed the temple in 42 BC, and Augustus dedicated it on August 18, 29 BC.

The temple became a central political and religious landmark. Its high podium doubled as a speaker’s platform, decorated with ship prows taken as war trophies. It hosted imperial speeches, funerary eulogies, and political declarations, further cementing Augustus’s connection to his divine predecessor. A festival in Augustus’s honor was held here every four years, reinforcing his status.

Architecturally, the temple mirrored the Temple of Venus Genetrix, emphasizing the Julian family’s divine lineage. Scholars debate whether its columns followed Corinthian, Ionic, or Composite styles. A key symbol of Caesar’s deification was Caesar’s Comet, which appeared for seven days after his death. Augustus seized on this celestial event, using it to promote Caesar’s divine status and incorporating a star motif into the temple’s decoration.

By the 15th century, much of the temple’s materials had been repurposed for other buildings, leaving only cement foundations. Today, it remains a historically significant site, with visitors still leaving offerings at Caesar’s altar, especially on March 15, the anniversary of his assassination.

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Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Deified Julius) on Map

Sight Name: Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Deified Julius)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.

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Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

t's a known fact that Rome wasn't built in a day. But since it was built, the city has stood the test of time and become "eternal." A popular proverb says, "all roads lead to Rome," but very few realize that, inside Rome itself, all roads lead to the Forum.

Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

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