Ara Pacis Flashcards
When was the Ara Pacis built
between 13BCE and 9 BCE
What is the Ara Pacis
Its full title is Ara Pacis Augustae
translates to the Altar of Augustan peace
Describe the decoration on the bottom half of the Ara Pacis
the bottom half is comprised of soley natural imagery emphasising plentifulness.→ with Augustus the ‘wild’ world can be ordered.
It is covered in vines and acanthus, as well as many other plants at the same time with many out of season.
↳ This is becuase of the Golden Age.
It also has lots of different small animals around it ‘hidden’ in the foliage
Describe the procession depicted
The procession depicted is much like the one that would have gone there.
* Unusually there are children depicted in the procession this is Augustus emphasising filial piety, children are the future they need to be taught morals and religion, and Augustus is leading them.
* There is a barbarian prince perhaps symbolising the defeated peoples, now allies of Rome.
* Augustus is shown as Pontifex Maximus - leading them, behind him is the imperial family, who are all present, showing themselves to be role models.
describe what is on the eastern side
there are two panels:
1. of 3 women, there is debate as to the central figure’s identity
2. a depiction of Roma
Describe the Eastern panel of Roma
Roma is the personified goddess of Rome, she has one breast bared ( like an amazon - warlike connotations) and is sat on trophies of war symbolising Rome’s victories. The pile of trophies is theorised to be made up of armour, shields, weapons.
In one hand she holds a rod of power.
on her head is a helmet and she holds a shield, both of these link to war.
She is dressed in a simple cut tunic, as she is a goddess this is not to the floor.
Describe the eastern panel depicting the 3 women
The is debate around the identity of the central figure though the main thoeries are that she is either; Tellus (the earth goddess), Ceres (goddess of the harvest) or Pax (the goddess of peace.
With each goddess there are connotations
for Tellus - symbolises prosperity and plenty (food), all the world belongs to Augustus
for Ceres - symbols of plenty and food, she is a powerful goddess.
for Pax - peace brings Plenty and Augustus brings peace
What is depicted on the two western panels
The is a panel depicting a sacrifice that could be of Aeneas. The other panel is theorised to be depicting the Lupercal scene
Describe the western panel depicting the sacrifice
This panel is thought to depict Aeneas sacrificing a pig when he finds italy, he is looking to Ascanius showing filial piety in teaching him.
describe the western panel depicting the lupercal scene
It is theorised to be a depiction of Romulus and Remus suckling at a she-wolf.
Romulus and Remus survived nature and nature now looks out for Rome.
Where is the Ara Pacis located
Campus Martius
What themes are present on the Ara Pacis Augustae
- Religious leader - pontifex maximus
- piety
- ancestory
- peace and prosperity
- pater Patriae - father of the fatherland - leader
what was the decorations on the inside of the Ara Pacis
decorated with sacrificial bowls and garlands
What was the Ara Pacis made of
White marble
