Introduction to all things Roman

Here's my excited effort to share some of what I know about Rome with you all. I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts and looking at the pictures. If you have any questions or think of something you'd like to know, let me know!

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Ara Pacis

Would you like to experience a crucial part of Roman history? Would you like to see beautiful carvings depicting Roman life and mythology? Then look no further than the Ara Pacis, also known as the Altar of Augustan Peace. As said in Rome Alive, “Augustus’ return in this instance is treated as a synecdoche for the return of peace in general after the civil wars” (Aicher 245). Constructed from 13 to 9 B.C., this altar was built to honor the Pax Augusta, or peace of Augustus. When the Emperor Augustus returned triumphantly from Gaul and Hispania and brought an era of peace and military superiority to the Roman Empire. The altar was built near the Via Flaminia (modern day Via del Corso). The building itself is an altar surrounded by walls covered in gorgeous carvings. Romaviva states that “The decorations of the "Ara Pacis" are completed by ornaments of naturalistic character, with low relief of plants and small animals and the "Tellus", the divinity representing the personification of peace and prosperity that the empire of Rome was getting prepared to live thanks to the enterprises of Augustus” (Ara Pacis Augustae Rome) The carvings depict many scenes of peace and how the deeds of Augustus returned peace to the Roman Empire. Many of the depictions promote and encourage peace and fertility. Also, scenes from the history and mythology of Rome are shown such as Romulus and Remus (founders of Rome) being discovered as children by a shepherd near a river. The altar was used mainly for worship and sacrifices to the Gods. Later the Altar was buried under 4 meters of silt after the Tiber River flooded. Excavated in 1937, the Altar now has been restored to showcase its detailed carvings. The altar was “reassembled not in its original location but next to the Mausoleum of Augustus at the northern reaches of the Campus Martius.” Benito Mussolini called for a protective building to be placed around the Altar in 1938. Hopefully you will be able to experience the beauty of this wonderful monument when you visit Rome.

Works Cited:

Aicher, Peter J. Rome Alive: a Source-guide to the Ancient City. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci, 2004. Print.

"Ara Pacis Augustae Rome." Alberghi Hotel Roma Bed & Breakfast Roma Alberghi Hotel Roma. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.

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