Ara Pacis | Rome

The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Rome, celebrated for its artistic and historical value. Constructed between 13 BCE and 9 BCE, it was commissioned by the Roman Senate to honor Emperor Augustus and commemorate his military victories, specifically his successful campaigns in Gaul and Hispania. The altar is a symbol of Pax Romana (Roman Peace), a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire during Augustus' reign.

1. Historical Context

The Ara Pacis was built during the reign of Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), the first Roman emperor. It was dedicated on January 30, 9 BCE, and its construction marked the official establishment of the Pax Romana, which Augustus promoted as a period of peace following the tumultuous years of civil war that had plagued Rome before his rise to power.

• Symbol of Pax Romana: The altar was dedicated to the Roman goddess Pax, personifying peace, and was meant to celebrate the peace that Augustus had secured for the empire after years of military strife.
• Commemoration of Augustus' Achievements: The altar commemorates not just the emperor’s peace but also his military conquests. Augustus had successfully pacified and secured borders through his campaigns, and the altar symbolized the prosperity and stability that followed his rule.

2. Location and Design

The Ara Pacis is located in the Campo Marzio, an area of ancient Rome. Initially, it was situated near the Via Flaminia, one of the major roads into the city. In modern times, the altar has been relocated to a museum on the Lungotevere in Augusta, along the Tiber River.

Dimensions and Structure

• Size: The Ara Pacis is an altar with an enclosed rectangular enclosure, measuring approximately 11.6 meters (38 feet) long, 10.6 meters (35 feet) wide, and 3.6 meters (12 feet) high.
• Material: The altar is made of marble, and its decoration is an exquisite example of Roman relief sculpture.

The altar itself was intended for sacrificial offerings, and it was surrounded by a marble enclosure with high-relief sculptures depicting both mythological and historical themes.

3. Artistic Features

The Ara Pacis is renowned for its detailed and intricate relief sculptures, which not only depict the concept of peace but also emphasize Augustus’ role in establishing it. These sculptural details represent a mix of religious, mythological, and historical themes, all interwoven with a clear political message that glorifies Augustus and his reign.

The Procession of Augustus’ Family

One of the most notable features of the Ara Pacis is the frieze depicting a procession of the imperial family, which is carved along the outside of the altar’s walls. The frieze shows Augustus, his wife Livia, his children, and other important figures of the imperial court, participating in a ceremonial procession.

• Historical Significance: The depiction of the imperial family emphasizes the dynastic nature of Augustus’ reign and his role in ensuring the future of the empire through his descendants.
• Portraiture: The figures in the frieze are highly individualized, and the attention to detail in their portrayal highlights the Roman emphasis on realistic portraiture. Augustus and his family are depicted as active participants in the rituals of the state, reinforcing the idea of leadership as both a civic and religious duty.

The Reliefs of the Exterior

1. South Frieze: The south side of the altar shows the Procession of the Imperial Family, while the north side shows scenes of the foundation of Rome and Augustus’ military victories. These scenes are symbolic of the peace that Augustus had brought to Rome.
2. East and West Panels: On the east and west sides, the frieze features mythological scenes, including the Sacrifice of Aeneas, the hero of the Trojan War, and other mythical references to Rome’s legendary origins.

The mythological reliefs were designed to link Augustus with the ancient heroes of Rome, underscoring the continuity of Roman greatness and the divine origins of the imperial family.

Nature and Symbolism

The Ara Pacis is also decorated with vegetal motifs, including representations of acanthus leaves, which symbolize growth and prosperity. These designs are likely symbolic of the flourishing peace and prosperity that Augustus claimed to have brought to the empire. The symbolism of peace is further emphasized by the image of Pax, the personification of peace, depicted on one of the altar’s panels.

4. Inscriptions and Symbolism

The inscriptions on the Ara Pacis reinforce its dedication to Augustus and the Roman people’s achievements under his rule. The altar's design and iconography were meant to glorify Augustus' reign, his family, and his contribution to the Roman Empire's peace and stability.

• Inscription Dedication: The inscriptions on the altar describe the political and military accomplishments of Augustus, crediting him with establishing peace and expanding the boundaries of the Roman Empire.
• Divine Favor: The imagery associated with Augustus also reinforces the idea that the emperor’s reign was divinely ordained. His connection to the gods is frequently invoked, as seen in depictions of Augustus as the descendant of the goddess Venus and his association with Mars, the god of war.

5. Function and Purpose

The primary function of the Ara Pacis was to celebrate the Pax Romana, but it also served a ceremonial role in the political and religious life of Rome. The altar was dedicated during the Ludi Saeculares, the secular games that were celebrated to mark the beginning of a new century. The altar’s creation and dedication were deeply intertwined with Augustus’ propaganda, highlighting his contributions to Rome’s peace and prosperity.

• Political Propaganda: The reliefs and inscriptions on the Ara Pacis also served as political propaganda, ensuring that Augustus and his family were seen as divinely chosen to lead Rome into an era of peace and prosperity.
• Sacrificial Purpose: As a functioning altar, the Ara Pacis was used for public sacrifices to the gods, reinforcing the connection between the Roman state, religion, and the emperor’s authority.

6. Preservation and Modern History

Over the centuries, the Ara Pacis suffered damage from the rise of Christianity, the collapse of the Roman Empire, and the changing political landscape. The altar was buried under the sands of time and forgotten until it was rediscovered in the early 16th century. It was later excavated in the early 20th century, and today, the Ara Pacis is housed in a modern museum in Rome, the Museo dell'Ara Pacis.

Museum of the Ara Pacis

The Ara Pacis Museum was designed by the architect Richard Meier and opened in 2006. The museum’s striking modern design, with its glass walls and airy, open space, is intended to complement the ancient monument and offer a place where visitors can appreciate the historical and artistic significance of the altar.

7. Legacy and Significance

The Ara Pacis is one of the most important examples of Augustan art and is a key monument in the study of Roman propaganda. Its detailed reliefs and symbolic imagery reflect the ideals of the Pax Romana and the emperor’s central role in establishing peace and prosperity across the empire.

• Political and Religious Symbolism: The altar remains a powerful symbol of Augustus’ reign and the peace he brought to Rome. The emphasis on his family’s role in the empire’s future also marked a shift toward the dynastic rule that would characterize Roman emperorship for centuries.
• Artistic Influence: The Ara Pacis had a significant influence on later Roman art, particularly in the use of realistic portraiture and the integration of political messages into public monuments.

8. Conclusion

The Ara Pacis stands as a monument to the grandeur and lasting impact of Augustus’ reign. Through its detailed and symbolic reliefs, it celebrated the Pax Romana, the peace that Augustus sought to establish across the empire. It not only served as a religious and ceremonial altar but also as a tool of political propaganda, reinforcing Augustus' divine and imperial legitimacy. Today, it continues to be a key artifact for understanding the Roman Empire’s golden age and Augustus’ efforts to secure his legacy.