To whom is De Architectura dedicated?

De Architectura, commonly known as "On Architecture," is a treatise written by Vitruvius, an ancient Roman architect and engineer. This work is dedicated to Augustus, who was the first Roman emperor and played a crucial role in the development and expansion of Roman architecture and infrastructure.

Vitruvius aimed to share his knowledge and insights on architecture with Augustus, hoping to demonstrate how architecture could embody principles of order, beauty, and utility, all of which were essential to the prosperity of the Roman Empire under Augustus's reign. The dedication to Augustus also aligns with the political context of the era, where literature and scholarship often sought the favor of powerful leaders.

This dedication helped immortalize Augustus's legacy in the field of architecture, as he was known not only as a ruler but also as a patron of the arts and architecture during a time of significant cultural development in Rome. The other figures listed — Julius Caesar, Agrippa, and Marcus Aurelius — although significant in their own rights, were not the direct recipients of this specific work.