College of the Augustales

Welcome to the Sede degli Augustali, or the College of the Augustales. This building is one of the most socially significant structures in Herculaneum, serving as the headquarters for an order of 'fredman'—former slaves who had…

We are now in the heart of the building, a large square hall that served as the primary meeting place for the Augustales. The space is dominated by its high walls and the 'magnificent' frescoes that have survived with incredible…

At the rear of the hall is a small, raised area known as the 'sacellum,' or shrine. This was the most sacred part of the building, where statues of the Imperial family were likely placed. …

To the side of the main hall is a small, unassuming room that provides one of the most poignant glimpses into daily life at the College. This was likely the living quarters of the 'custodian' or caretaker of the building. …

Look up toward the ceiling of the main hall to see one of the most remarkable sights in Herculaneum: the 'giant wooden beams' that have been preserved in situ. These are the original structural timbers that supported the roof of…

On one of the walls or nearby pedestals, an 'inscription' was found that originally led scholars to identify this building as the 'Curia' or a government building. However, the mention of the Augustales and the Imperial cult…

The College of the Augustales is located near the 'Forum area,' the public and political heart of Herculaneum. Although much of the Forum itself remains unexcavated under the modern city of Ercolano, the positioning of this…

Our exploration of the College of the Augustales concludes back in the grand central hall, under the watchful eyes of Hercules and the Roman emperors. We have seen how a group of 'former slaves' built a world of 'opulence and…