Ara Pacis

Definition

The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, is a monumental altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace. Built during the reign of Augustus between 13 and 9 BCE, it symbolizes the peace and prosperity brought about by Augustus's leadership and the establishment of the Roman Empire. This structure not only served a religious purpose but also functioned as a political statement celebrating the achievements of Augustus and the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ara Pacis was commissioned by the Roman Senate to honor Augustus's return to Rome after his campaigns in Hispania and Gaul.
2. The altar features intricate reliefs depicting historical scenes, including processions of important figures and representations of mythological events.
3. Its design combines classical Greek and Roman architectural elements, highlighting Augustus's aim to connect his regime with Rome's glorious past.
4. The Ara Pacis was originally located in a open-air precinct but has been moved several times throughout history and is now housed in a modern museum.
5. The imagery on the altar emphasizes themes of fertility, abundance, and peace, reflecting Augustus's goals for Roman society during his rule.

Review Questions

• How does the Ara Pacis reflect the political and cultural aspirations of Augustus's reign?
  • The Ara Pacis serves as a powerful symbol of Augustus's political and cultural aspirations by celebrating peace and prosperity during his rule. The altar’s intricate reliefs depict important figures and events that reinforce Augustus’s achievements and legitimacy as emperor. This monument not only showcases artistic mastery but also communicates Augustus’s vision for Rome as a thriving empire united under his leadership.
• Discuss the significance of the reliefs found on the Ara Pacis and their role in conveying messages about Roman society.
  • The reliefs on the Ara Pacis are significant as they depict both historical and mythological scenes that convey messages about the ideals of Roman society. They illustrate themes such as family values, civic duty, and divine approval of Augustus’s rule. By portraying prominent figures in ceremonial procession alongside representations of deities, the reliefs reinforce the idea that Augustus’s leadership was both politically beneficial and divinely sanctioned, thus strengthening societal cohesion during a transformative period.
• Evaluate the impact of the Ara Pacis on our understanding of propaganda used by leaders in ancient Rome and its implications for modern interpretations of power.
  • The Ara Pacis illustrates how Augustus employed propaganda to establish his authority and shape public perception in ancient Rome. By using monumental architecture adorned with symbolic imagery, he effectively communicated his achievements and vision for peace. This use of visual rhetoric provides insights into how leaders utilize art to manipulate narratives surrounding their power. In modern contexts, analyzing such historical examples allows us to understand contemporary practices where imagery and symbolism are employed by leaders to craft public personas and influence societal views.

Related terms

Pax Romana: A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted approximately 200 years, initiated under Augustus's rule.

Augustus: The first Roman emperor who reigned from 27 BCE until his death in 14 CE, playing a crucial role in transitioning Rome from a republic to an empire.

Propaganda: The strategic use of symbols, imagery, and messages to promote particular political ideologies or leaders, significant in the context of Augustus's reign.