Reconstruction of Ara Pacis – The ‘Altar of Peace’ in Rome
Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) was conceived as an altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace.
The monument was actually commissioned by the Roman Senate, on the occasion of Augustus’ return to Rome in 13 BC. The altar in its original scope was erected on the northeastern corner of the Campus Martius (Field of Mars)
The choice to celebrate peace and the attendant prosperity in some ways breaks with the tradition of explicitly triumphal monuments that advertise success in war and victories won on the battlefield. By championing peace—at least in the guise of public monuments—Augustus promoted a powerful and effective campaign of political message making.
Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) was conceived as an altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace.
The monument was actually commissioned by the Roman Senate, on the occasion of Augustus’ return to Rome in 13 BC. The altar in its original scope was erected on the northeastern corner of the Campus Martius (Field of Mars)
The choice to celebrate peace and the attendant prosperity in some ways breaks with the tradition of explicitly triumphal monuments that advertise success in war and victories won on the battlefield. By championing peace—at least in the guise of public monuments—Augustus promoted a powerful and effective campaign of political message making.