Ara Pacis Augustae

Summary

The Ara Pacis, an altar commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to celebrate Augustus' military victories, is a key symbol of Roman propaganda and imperial ideology. The altar's design features a combination of Greek classical style and realistic Roman elements, emphasizing Augustus' connection to divine heritage and the peace he brought to the empire. Its intricate reliefs depict mythological scenes, symbolic representations of abundance, and figures from the Julian-Claudian family. The altar is both a visual celebration of Augustus' reign and a reflection of the Roman mastery of art and architecture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) was commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to commemorate Augustus' military victories in Spain and Gaul.
• 😀 It was completed and inaugurated in 9 BCE and serves both as a religious monument and political propaganda celebrating Augustus' peace and power.
• 😀 The altar is modest in size compared to other Roman monuments, measuring 11.65 by 10.62 meters with a height of 3.68 meters.
• 😀 The frieze around the altar features scenes that emphasize Augustus' divine lineage, including depictions of Aeneas performing a sacrifice to the Penates.
• 😀 Other panels show mythical references like Romulus and Remus suckled by the she-wolf, and representations of natural abundance and fertility.
• 😀 The relief sculptures incorporate both idealized and realistic human figures, marking a departure from the purely idealized figures of Greek art.
• 😀 The altar’s design uses meander patterns symbolizing abundance, connecting Augustus with divine power, particularly the sun god.
• 😀 The architectural decoration blends classical Greek influence with distinctly Roman elements, such as realistic portraiture and individualized human figures.
• 😀 The sculpture of the altar features a dynamic interaction between figures, with moments of human expression, like a child holding onto a parent's toga.
• 😀 The presence of symbolic details, such as bucrania (ox skulls) and garlands, underscores themes of sacrifice, vitality, and celebration of Augustus' peace and victories.
• 😀 Despite the classical references, the Ara Pacis emphasizes Roman humanism, presenting a more relatable and realistic portrayal of its figures, reflecting both myth and history.

Q & A

What is the Ara Pacis, and why was it commissioned?

The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, was commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to celebrate the military victories of Augustus in Spain and Gaul. It symbolizes the peace and prosperity Augustus brought to the Roman Empire after his military campaigns.

When was the Ara Pacis completed, and why is the date significant?

The Ara Pacis was completed and inaugurated in 9 BCE, four years after the initial commission in 13 BCE. The date marks the culmination of Augustus' military conquests and the establishment of a period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

What is the architectural size of the Ara Pacis, and how does it compare to other altars?

The Ara Pacis is 11.65 meters long, 10.62 meters wide, and 3.68 meters high. While monumental, it is smaller and less grandiose than other altars, like the Altar of Bergamo, which was much larger and more visually striking.

What symbolic meaning is conveyed through the reliefs on the Ara Pacis?

The reliefs on the Ara Pacis depict themes of peace, abundance, and divine favor. Notably, they show the peace brought by Augustus, with symbolic representations of nature, such as Saturnia Tellus (Mother Earth), and divine figures like Aeneas making sacrifices, emphasizing Augustus' divine lineage and his role in bringing prosperity to Rome.

How does the design of the Ara Pacis reflect Augustus' political message?

The design of the Ara Pacis reflects Augustus' political message by showcasing him as the bringer of peace and prosperity. The altars' reliefs highlight his divine ancestry, portraying him as a ruler chosen by the gods to ensure the stability and flourishing of the Roman Empire.

What role do the Greek-style meander patterns play in the Ara Pacis' design?

The Greek-style meander patterns, found in the decoration of the Ara Pacis, symbolize eternity and the divine. These elements connect Augustus' reign to the classical traditions of Greece, reinforcing the idea that his rule is a continuation of the ancient, glorious past of Rome.

How does the relief of Romulus and Remus relate to the origins of Rome?

The relief of Romulus and Remus suckling from the she-wolf alludes to the legendary founding of Rome. It highlights Augustus’ connection to Rome's origins and reinforces his role as the rightful heir to the empire’s divine and mythological heritage.

In what way do the figures on the Ara Pacis blend realism and idealism?

The figures on the Ara Pacis blend realism and idealism by depicting idealized Roman values, such as the divine right of Augustus, while also incorporating human traits and emotions. For instance, a child gripping the toga of an adult portrays an authentic, relatable human gesture, emphasizing realism amidst the classical idealization.

Why is the depiction of a child gripping his parent’s toga significant in the Ara Pacis reliefs?

The depiction of a child gripping his parent’s toga is significant because it conveys a moment of human vulnerability and familial connection. This act of the child seeking comfort and security contrasts with the grand political and divine themes, adding a human touch to the monument’s symbolism.

How do the different reliefs on the Ara Pacis reflect the theme of peace?

The reliefs on the Ara Pacis reflect the theme of peace by portraying the benefits of Augustus' reign, including depictions of natural abundance, divine protection, and military triumphs. Figures like Saturnia Tellus symbolize the peace and prosperity that Augustus brought to the empire, while the relief of Aeneas making a sacrifice emphasizes the divine approval of his rule.