Ara Pacis: Myth & Symbols of Power: Classical Civilization: GCSE (9:1)

frieze

a broad horizontal band of sculpted decoration that goes around the ara pacis and depicts a sacrificial procession

corinthian pilaster

The decoration on the art pacis in the shape of a flat column with a flowery capital

fig tree

decoration on the altar that symbolises abundance and plenty

Faustulus

The shepherd who found and raised Romulus and Remus. His depiction links Augustus to the twins (and the foundation of Rome) via Julius Caesar

Temple of Janus

Set up by Numa to hold weapons. Open in times of war, shut in times of peace. Doors shut when Octavian became Augustus and therefore it is a symbol of peace

Numa Pompilius

The 2nd king of Rome started ruling at around 700 BC. He was a smart and religious man who invented the Roman calendar and other things

sacrificial sow

Relates to Aeneas and the omen he was sent to signify the foundation of Rome. Connecting Augustus to Aeneas and Rome's history

Aeneas

Portrayed in priestly robes, head veiled, sacrficing to the penates, symbolising Augustus as Pontifex Maximus 12BC

grapes/ pomegranates

Signifies abundance, completing the portrait of a life giving goddess and the peace and plenty of a golden age - Augustan peace

Goddess Roma

Pictured as sitting on a pile of captured weapons and therefore symbolising peace and the conquest over other nations

paterae

libation bowls signifying piety

swans

refers to either Apollo or Venus

Vestal Virgins

Pictured on the internal face of the altar, veiled and according to their age showing the importance of religion in Rome

The North Procession

senators/priests wearing and caring symbols of authority and piety

inauguratio

The ceremony consecrating the location of the Ara Pacis shown by the presence of augurs

ara pacis

Latin for the Altar of Peace commissioned by Augustus

13-9BC

When the ara pacis was built