Introduction:

The Mausoleum of Augustus and the Lincoln Memorial—two architectural epitomes of cultural heritage, built with over a thousand years and an ocean between them. One is a tomb commissioned by the first emperor of Rome to be his final resting place; the other was built long after the subject’s death. One was a site central to Mussolini’s plan to reconstruct Rome into his fascist image; the other was the site of numerous demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement, a symbol of freedom, equality, and the American Dream. Despite their differences, these buildings carry the same stylistic traits, and present a larger-than-life image of leader in order to visually unify and legitimize a fractured nation.  

Short Outline:

1. Neoclassical style and the Classical heritage -> historical precedence, tradition conveys credibility
   1. Symbolism (the fasces, etc.)
2. Inscriptions -> Augustus’ Res Gestae, Cortissoz’ epitaph for Lincoln.
3. Statuary & position in the landscape