Ara Pacis Essay Flashcards
On the Roman Panel what do we see and what theme does it communicate?
We see the Goddess of War, Roma, seated on a pile of weapons to show how they cannot be used. Communicates that through power, war, and weapons, Augustus can be the bringer of Roman Pax.
On the Lupercal Panel what do we see and what theme does it communicate?
We see Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome suckling on a she-wolf as well as Mars, the God of War. This allegorical message on this panel is that he is also a founder of a new age - communicating that he has restored peace, is the father of the father land (pater patriae) and the father of families (pater familias).
On the Tellus Panel what do we see and what theme does it communicate?
The panel depicts who we thin is Mother Earth, holding two babies who are meant to symbolise the people of Rome. She sits amongst harvests and animals and breastfeeds these two babies. The allegorical message is that Augustus is the bringer of fertility, abundance, and prosperity which he wanted to communicate to the masses.
What was the altar for?
The Ara Pacis had an open-air altar for blood sacrifice that was associated with the Roman state religion.
On the Aeneas Panel what do we see and what theme does it communicate?
Aeneas, and his son Iulus, who are linked to the Julian bloodline along with a young boy can be seen on this panel. Aeneas has his head covered to show he is a Flamine and meant to look like a priest. Augustus is communicating that he has brought back piety - moral and religious conducts, especially back to the Gods. Also that he is linked to Aeneas, Iulus, and Julian, telling us that he is also a founder and he is a part of this bloodline.
When, where and why was the Ara Pacis built?
Built of the Field of Mars, between 13BC and 9BC by the Senate. It’s original purpose of the creation of the Ara Pacis is to dedicate the building to Augustus, due to the peace he brings to the Empire.
On the North and South Panels what do we see and what theme is communicated?
On these panels we see Senates, Priests, and Augustus’ immediate family. They are mimicking the Panathenaic Procession, which occurred in the Golden Age. Augustus’ head is covered, communicating that he is a high priest amongst others. The hidden message (allegorical) is that Augustus is the bringer of the ‘new’ Golden Age. His head is covered to communicate that he is also the pontifex-maximus, showing that he is the bringer of piety and fertility. He is the one closest to the Gods, and brings the importance of family.
When is the Obelisk Egyptian and how does it occur?
The sun will hit the doorway on the east side on Augustus’ birthday, September 23rd. The alignment is called the Obelisk Egyptian where the shadow of the line of the Obelisk will line up with the entrance of the altar.
What did Julius Caesar do which began the civil war?
Julius Caesar, a Roman General, crossed the Rubicon with his army, starting a civil war.
What did Julius Caesar famously say after crossing the Rubicon?
“The Die is Cast”, showing he believed that there was no turning back.
What triggered the 12-year-long civil war?
It was after Caesar named himself dictator and was assassinated by Brutus on the Ides of March.
What did Augustus do to be named as the “father of the nation” and becoming Rome’s greatest emperor?
Augustus, Caesar’s great-nephew and heir, eventually defeated Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium and restored Roman power. He became the first Roman Emperor to bring peace and restore religious traditions.
What are all the themes the Ara Pacis presents?
Peace, prosperity, piety, abundance, and fertility.
“I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marbles” - Augustus. What does this quote symbolise?
Symbolises his transformation of Rome through art hat reflected the key themes of his reign, while reinforcing his lasting legacy as the first emperor.
What does the name ‘Ara Pacis’ means?
Altar of Peace
