Ara Pacis Augustae

Definition

The Ara Pacis Augustae, or the Altar of Augustan Peace, is an ancient Roman monument dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, and commissioned by the Senate in 13 BCE to honor Emperor Augustus. It exemplifies the blending of political propaganda and artistic expression through its elaborate relief sculptures that celebrate Augustus's achievements and the peace he brought to the Roman Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ara Pacis is adorned with intricate reliefs that depict mythological scenes, as well as historical events related to Augustus's family and his rise to power.
2. The monument reflects Augustus's political agenda by promoting his role in restoring peace after years of civil war, showcasing his leadership as divinely sanctioned.
3. Its construction was completed in 9 BCE and it was originally located in the Campus Martius area of Rome.
4. The Altar also features representations of various deities, emphasizing the religious aspects of peace and prosperity under Augustus's rule.
5. The Ara Pacis underwent significant preservation efforts in modern times, including its relocation into a glass museum designed by architect Richard Meier in the early 2000s.

Review Questions

• How does the Ara Pacis Augustae illustrate the relationship between art and politics in ancient Rome?
  • The Ara Pacis Augustae serves as a prime example of how art was utilized as a tool for political propaganda in ancient Rome. Through its detailed relief sculptures depicting scenes of peace, prosperity, and Augustus’s lineage, the monument communicated his successes and divine favor to the public. This blending of artistic expression with political messaging not only celebrated Augustus’s achievements but also reinforced his authority and legitimacy as emperor.
• Analyze the significance of the imagery found on the Ara Pacis Augustae and what it reveals about Roman values during Augustus's reign.
  • The imagery on the Ara Pacis Augustae is rich with symbolism that reflects key Roman values such as family, piety, and peace. The reliefs include depictions of deities alongside representations of Augustus's family, emphasizing the importance of lineage and moral virtue. This imagery not only celebrates Augustus’s role in establishing peace but also promotes ideals like fertility and prosperity, aligning with the Augustan vision of a renewed Rome grounded in traditional values.
• Evaluate how the Ara Pacis Augustae has influenced contemporary understandings of leadership and governance through its historical context.
  • The Ara Pacis Augustae has had a lasting impact on how we understand leadership and governance by highlighting the role of public monuments in shaping political narratives. By examining its design and reliefs, we see how Augustus used art to craft an image of himself as a benevolent ruler who restored peace, which resonates with contemporary notions of effective leadership. The monument’s emphasis on communal values over individual power reflects ongoing discussions about governance that prioritize societal well-being over authoritarian rule.

Related terms

Pax Romana: A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for about 200 years, starting with Augustus's reign.

Relief Sculpture: A sculptural technique where the figures project from a flat background, often used in historical and commemorative works to tell stories.

Imperial Portraiture: The artistic representation of emperors and imperial family members that emphasized their divine status and connection to the state.