College of the AugustalesLeft: Mythological scene depicting the entrance of Hercules into Olympus. Right: Mythological scene depicting the contest between Hercules and the River Achelous (Acheloos) for the hand of Deianira.. The Augustales were members of an order made up of freedmen that was dedicated to the imperial cult and their college was built in Herculaneum while Augustus was still alive.- Herculaneum; Ercolano (Campania; south of Italy) ancient town destroyed by volcanic pyroclastic flows on August 24; 79 AD.Herculaneum was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius and covered by metres of volcanic material and this sealed and preserved it.Italy; 2018.