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Relief Sculpture
Ara Pacis Augustae
‘Altar of Augustan Peace’
13-9 B.C.
The man who started it all:
Gaius Julius Caesar
Octavianus Augustus Caesar,
the first Princeps
Exterior view of Ara
Pacis showing the
main entrance on the
Western side
Note: now covered by
buliding to preserve
the sculptures
Mythological frieze: Romulus and
Remus, founders of the city Roma,
in 753 BC
Mythological frieze: Aeneas, former
Trojan and founding father of the
Romans
Introduction
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It is built in the Field of Mars (Campus Martius) not far from
Augustus’ mausoleum (restored and now resited)
It was created in honour of Augustus for after he pacified the Gauls
and Spaniards. It was a gesture of public thanks and was dedicated
on 30th January 9 B.C
Modelled on Greek Altar of Mercy in Athens
Greek influence in decoration, structure, acanthus leaf scrolls
Italian building materials: tufa, travertine, Carrara marble
Relief scultpure is raised stone silhouette. It is produced by carving
away the background
Large public structure - sculpted scenes meant to be viewed
Built on a podium - actual altar also raised on smaller, steeped
podium
Layout
The outer wall is
called the precinct.
EAST
Altar raised and
faces due east.
ALTAR
NORTH
SOUTH
9
Stairs
WEST
Lower Register Precinct (outer
wall)
 Is decorated all the way around with a
floral scene of swirling tendrils that finish
in Acanthus leaves. Petals, lizards,
snakes, birds, scenes from nature.
Intricate detail. Panel appears alive.
 In several places a swan takes pride of
place.
 The swan is sacred to Apollo who is
Augustus’ patron diety.
Lower Register Precinct (outer
wall)
Interior Wall Lower Register
 Carved to resemble wooden fencing
 Possibly symbolises the original wooden
altar used at the dedication in 13BC prior
to the stone altar being completed
Upper Register, inside Wall
Precinct
 Bulls’
skulls (bucrania), garlands, Patera
(Paterae: sacrificial bowls). These may
represent a sacrifice at the dedication of
the altar
 Garlands which adorn the bulls’ skulls
have fruit from all four seasons to signifiy
that Augustan peace is present through
the whole year
Precinct, Upper Register, West
Side
Panel 1
Aeneas, Iulus, Lares and Penates (household gods in the
shrine). They link back to Aeneas and the fall of Troy
 Aeneas wears veil to symbolise piety
 Aeneas sacrficing the Lavinian sow to the Lares and Penates.
The Lavinian sow myth is one of the foundation myths of Rome.
This frieze is destined to link Augustus to divine ancestry and
piety
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Panel 2
Fragmentary
 Another foundation myth of Rome. Romulus and Remus
suckling the shewolf. Mars, their father, looks on
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Aeneas (head
covered to show
pietas)
sacrificing to the
Lares and
Penates
His son,
Ascanius or
Iulus, is standing
in front. He
represents the
link to Augustus
through Julius
(Iulus) Caesar
Precinct, Upper Register, West
Side
Precinct, Upper Frieze, East
Side
Panel 1: Tellus Relief
 The central figure is Mother Earth, voluptuous and very
fertile. This represents new life, peace and all things
good about the Roman empire
 Tellus sits on a Rocky outcrop amidst nature. She holds
two chubby infants who appear healthy. Drapery is
billowy and body can be seen underneath
 Tellus has fruits and grains in her lap, well fed livestock
 Two maidens with their cloaks billowing represent salt
water (dragon) and fresh water (swan). Reign spreads
over whole world (seas)
 There has been controversy over whether this is
actually Tellus or the goddess Pax (peace), who would
be surrounded by the bounty of Augustan Peace
Precinct, Upper Frieze, East
Side
Precinct, Upper Frieze, East
Side
Panel 2
 Roma,
Goddess enthroned on a pile of
weapons.
 Too Fragmented.
Precinct, Upper Frieze, South Side
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Procession of either 9 B.C. dedication or 13 B.C.
inauggaration
Symbolic procession of religious representative and
imperial family
Augustus had his head shrouded (piety) links with
Aeneas on WS. He’s conducting a sacrifice
Priests with candles on their heads (flamines)
Augustus’ family led by Agrippa who dies in 12 B.C., his
wife Lavinia and daughter Julia. This is an idea of strong
family representing his political ideaology of children =
wealth. Large families were provided with a tax
incentive, unmarried adults were penalised. Children
represent public faith in the Julio-Claudian dynasty
Height of figures are varied, this draws the observers
eye up and down the procession, adding interest.
The Imperial family meeting the priests: Upper Frieze South Side
Precinct, Upper Frieze, South Side
Precinct, Upper Frieze, North Side
 Senators wearing wreaths and members
of Rome’s most important priesthoods.
 End of procession standing slightly apart
from the group is women and children,
minor members of Augustus’ family.
Precinct, Upper Frieze, North Side
Altar
 Facing due east
 Central section is fragmentary: maybe
goddess Pax and other gods and
goddesses gathered to receive sacrifice.
 Raised ends: vestal virgins and their
servants. Animal being led to sacrifice.
 Probably two narratives: the sacrifice and
rituals that take place at the altar.