Ara Pacis Flashcards
Date and reason for the construction
13-9 BC - Commissioned by the Senate because Augustus had refused a triumphal arch after his successful pacification of Gaul and Spain.
Dimensions
Length ( north and south ) - 10.5m
Width ( east and west ) - 11.6m
Height - 7m
Materials
Native Italian materials:
Tufa for core of altar
Travertine (limestone) for foundations platform and pavement
Carrara marble for superstructure - significant as it came from a quarry in Italy first used in Augustus’ time (previously had been sourced from Greece).
Location
Campus Martius in the North of Rome.
East precinct:
The Tellus relief and aroma relief - links to golden age of peace and fertility
West precinct:
Aeneas relief and Lupercal relief - links to the foundation of Rome.
East precinct:
The Tellus relief and aroma relief - links to golden age of peace and fertility
West precinct:
Aeneas relief and Lupercal relief - links to the foundation of Rome.
East precinct
The golden age of peace and prosperity - Roma and Tellus Mater/Venus relief
West precinct
Foundation of Rome: Lupercal and Aeneas reliefs
North precinct
Senators and Priests - Link to Augustus’ pietas as he was Pontius Maximus (chief priest of the Roman state religion)
South precinct
Augustus accompanied by consuls, priests, officials and trailing them are his family.
Description of the Lupercal relief
The Lupercal relief portrays the mythological story of Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf. On the left of the relief panel, Mars appears in warrior-like garments, with a spear in his left hand; wearing a crested helmet. He looks down on Remus and Romulus (who was the founder of Rome) as the boys suckle a she-wolf, an animal sacred to Mars. On the right of the panel is Faustus the shepherd, who it seems is been entrusted with the protection of the boys by Mars.
Romulus and Remus were sons of Rhea Silvia and Mars.
Description of Aeneas relief
The Aeneas relief is a link to the divine origin of Rome. Aeneas was believed to be the founder of the Roman people, just as Augustus is the founder of a new age of peace and prosperity in Rome. The relief shows Aeneas on the right of the panel, conducting a sacrifice of a Lavinian sow. On his right are two young boys, attendants who lead the sow to an altar. Both boys wear wreaths the frontal figure carries a bowl of fruits and holds a jug in his hand. In the background is a household shrine. Behind and to the right of Aeneas’ stands his son Iulus, who was the founder of the Julian family.
Description of Roma relief
The goddess Roma sits on a pile of weapons in an attitude of peace. However, we get the sense she is posed and ready for battle, even though the Ara Pacis symbolic of peace. She is dressed as an Amazon, with a helmet, holding a spear in her right hand and showing one breast.
