The Golden Milestone, also known colloquially as the Milliarium Aureum, is a historical monument that Emperor Augustus erected in 20 BCE, near the Temple of Saturn within the Central Forum of Ancient Rome. All roads were thought to originate from this very spot, and distances within the Roman Empire were measured relative to it. As per Cassius Dio, the Golden Milestone likely received its fame shortly after its grand unveiling. However, its exact location remains a topic of discussion among historians. It's debated whether the Golden Milestone was primarily a marble column, covered in gilded bronze, or entirely constructed of the said material. Most believe it stood on Via Appia, Via Salaria, Via Nomentana, Via Flaminia, Via Aurelia, and Via Ostiensis.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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