Ara Pacis Augustae

Definition

The Ara Pacis Augustae, or Altar of Augustan Peace, is a monumental altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, built between 13 and 9 BCE. This structure symbolizes the peace and prosperity brought about by Emperor Augustus' reign and reflects the significant role public monuments played in reinforcing the political power and cultural values of Rome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ara Pacis was commissioned by the Roman Senate to honor Emperor Augustus after his return from Hispania and Gaul, celebrating his military victories and promoting peace.
2. Its design includes intricate relief sculptures depicting allegorical figures, including representations of personified virtues such as Roma and Pax.
3. The altar was originally situated in an open-air space near the Campus Martius, emphasizing its importance in public life and civic religion in Rome.
4. The structure is adorned with scenes that represent both historical events and mythological imagery, reflecting Augustus' lineage and divine ancestry.
5. The Ara Pacis is considered a masterpiece of Roman art and architecture, showcasing the transition from Republican to Imperial styles while embodying the political messages of Augustus' reign.

Review Questions

• How does the design and decoration of the Ara Pacis Augustae reflect the political ideology of Augustus?
  • The Ara Pacis Augustae's design features intricate relief sculptures that convey Augustus' ideals of peace and prosperity through allegorical figures representing virtues such as Pax and Roma. The detailed narratives depicted on its walls celebrate Augustus' accomplishments while simultaneously projecting an image of stability and continuity for Rome. This use of art as a medium for propaganda solidifies Augustus' position as a benevolent ruler who restored order after years of civil strife.
• Discuss how the Ara Pacis Augustae fits into the broader context of urban planning in Rome during Augustus' reign.
  • The Ara Pacis Augustae was strategically placed within a significant urban area, linking it to public life and emphasizing its importance as a monument celebrating peace. Its location near the Campus Martius allowed it to be part of a larger network of public spaces designed for civic engagement and religious practice. This integration into urban planning reflects Augustus' broader agenda to reshape Rome's physical landscape to reflect his political vision and reinforce his authority through monumental architecture.
• Evaluate the role of public monuments like the Ara Pacis Augustae in shaping Roman identity during the transition from Republic to Empire.
  • Public monuments such as the Ara Pacis Augustae played a crucial role in shaping Roman identity by embedding Augustus’ vision into the cultural memory of Rome. By glorifying military achievements, promoting peace, and incorporating allegorical references to traditional Roman values, these monuments became symbols of a new imperial identity that embraced both continuity with the Republic's ideals and acceptance of monarchical power. The artistic features of such structures reflected not only individual rulers but also aimed to unify diverse populations under a common Roman ethos during a transformative period in history.

Related terms

Pax Romana: A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted from 27 BCE to 180 CE, marking the height of Augustus’ rule and the expansion of Roman territories.

Relief Sculpture: A sculptural technique where figures are carved into a flat surface, commonly used in Roman art to depict narratives, historical events, or mythological themes, prominently featured on the Ara Pacis.

Imperial Propaganda: The use of art and architecture to promote and glorify the image of a ruler, often seen in public monuments like the Ara Pacis which served to convey Augustus' ideals and accomplishments.