Ara Pacis Augustae
Included in much of the Ara Pacis Augustae’s decoration are animals, flowers, and fruit, which serve as symbols of fertility and growth. Augustus attempts to demonstrate that the peace he has achieved will bring prosperity to Rome. Furthermore, these symbols refer to the message being propagated to women in the empire that they should be fruitful and have children. These vegetable friezes are readily abundant, particularly on the lower sides of the Ara Pacis, many of which were believed to be originally in color.
Due to Augustus’ use of art as propaganda, the Ara Pacis projects the emperor’s importance and magnificence through many of the included friezes. Much of the design and decoration on the Ara Pacis is symbolic and iconographic that range from displaying Augustus’ greatness to political policies. Although this was constructed over two thousand years ago, the Ara Pacis remains an important piece of art that is still studied today. The monument has been on display to the public at the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome since the 1930s following its excavation in several parts during the sixteenth century. As a result, the Ara Pacis, with all of its friezes and intricate decoration, serves as one of the best monuments ever constructed.
Annotated Bibliography
Syme, Ronald. "Neglected Children on the Ara Pacis." American Journal of Archaeology 88.4 (1984): 583-89. The credentials of Syme are extremely solid and well-validated. Prior to his death, Syme worked as a professor of ancient history at Oxford University as well as a professor of history at the University of California at Los Angeles. He was also a prolific author who wrote numerous books including Tacitus, The Roman Revolution, and From Augustus to Nero: The First Dynasty of Imperial Rome. Along with Syme’s prestigious background, the American...
Bibliography: Syme, Ronald. "Neglected Children on the Ara Pacis." American Journal of Archaeology 88.4 (1984): 583-89.
The credentials of Syme are extremely solid and well-validated
Journal of Archaeology 90.4 (1986): 453-460.
John Pollini’s credentials are both extensive and sound
Elsner, John. “Cult and Sculpture: Sacrifice in the Ara Pacis Augustae.” The Journal of
Roman Studies 81.1 (1991): 50-61
Rehak, Paul. “Aeneas or Numa? Rethinking the Meaning of the Ara Pacis Augustae.”
The Art Bulletin, 83.2 (2001): 190-208
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