Ara Pacis

Rome, IT

Ara Pacis
Ara Pacis
Location
Rome, IT
Category
museums galleries
Coordinates
41.906388888, 12.475555555
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check forecast before visiting; bring water in summer.

Overview

The Ara Pacis Augustae, or Altar of Augustan Peace, stands as a monumental testament to Roman imperial ideology and artistic achievement. Dedicated in 9 BCE, this ancient Roman monument in Rome was commissioned by the Senate to honor Emperor Augustus's return from his military campaigns in Hispania and Gaul, symbolizing the establishment of the Pax Romana—a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. Visitors to the Ara Pacis can explore its meticulously reconstructed form within a modern museum structure designed by Richard Meier, which itself has become a significant architectural landmark. The altar's intricate sculptural reliefs offer a profound visual narrative, depicting the imperial family, senators, and allegorical figures, providing invaluable insights into Augustan propaganda and classical art. It is a compelling destination for those seeking places to visit that combine ancient history with contemporary design, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of Rome's most historically significant artifacts up close. This site is a crucial stop for understanding the foundational myths of the Roman Empire and the artistic sophistication of its golden age.

General information

The Ara Pacis Augustae, or Altar of Augustan Peace, stands as a monumental testament to Roman imperial ideology and artistic achievement. Dedicated in 9 BCE, this ancient Roman monument in Rome was commissioned by the Senate to honor Emperor Augustus's return from his military campaigns in Hispania and Gaul, symbolizing the establishment of the Pax Romana—a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. Visitors to the Ara Pacis can explore its meticulously reconstructed form within a modern museum structure designed by Richard Meier, which itself has become a significant architectural landmark. The altar's intricate sculptural reliefs offer a profound visual narrative, depicting the imperial family, senators, and allegorical figures, providing invaluable insights into Augustan propaganda and classical art. It is a compelling destination for those seeking places to visit that combine ancient history with contemporary design, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of Rome's most historically significant artifacts up close. This site is a crucial stop for understanding the foundational myths of the Roman Empire and the artistic sophistication of its golden age.

Did you know

  • The Ara Pacis was dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace.
  • It was commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to honor Emperor Augustus's return from successful campaigns in Hispania and Gaul.
  • The altar's sculptural friezes depict members of the Imperial family, senators, and priests, offering a unique portrait of Augustan society.
  • Fragments of the Ara Pacis were rediscovered over centuries, notably during the Renaissance and extensive excavations in the early 20th century.
  • The modern enclosure housing the Ara Pacis was designed by American architect Richard Meier and completed in 2006, sparking significant architectural debate.

History

The Ara Pacis Augustae was commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to celebrate Emperor Augustus's return from his military triumphs in Hispania and Gaul. Its construction concluded and it was formally dedicated on January 30, 9 BCE. Originally situated on the Campus Martius, the altar was exposed to the elements and the fluctuating water levels of the Tiber River, leading to its gradual burial under layers of silt and debris. Fragments of the altar were first unearthed in the 16th century during construction work, but systematic excavations did not begin until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A major reconstruction effort, utilizing recovered fragments and plaster casts of pieces held in museums worldwide, was undertaken under Mussolini's regime, culminating in its reassembly in 1938. The current protective and exhibition structure, designed by Richard Meier, was completed in 2006.

Cultural significance

The Ara Pacis is a paramount example of Augustan art and propaganda, serving as a powerful visual symbol of the Pax Romana—the period of peace and stability initiated by Emperor Augustus. Its elaborate sculptural reliefs are not merely decorative but convey a sophisticated political message, presenting Augustus as a benevolent ruler who brought prosperity and order to Rome. The friezes combine historical narrative with allegorical figures, depicting the imperial family, senators, and priests in a procession, alongside mythological scenes. This blend of historical accuracy and idealized representation set a precedent for future imperial art. The altar's classical style, drawing inspiration from Greek art, reinforced Augustus's image as a restorer of traditional Roman values and a new Golden Age, making it a crucial artifact for understanding the ideological foundations of the Roman Empire.

Geography and landscape

The Ara Pacis was originally located on the Campus Martius (Field of Mars) in ancient Rome, a vast public area outside the city's original sacred boundary. Its precise location was near the Horologium Augusti (Augustan Sundial) and the Mausoleum of Augustus, forming part of a monumental complex designed to glorify the emperor. Over centuries, the altar became buried beneath layers of sediment from the Tiber River. Today, the reconstructed Ara Pacis is housed within a purpose-built museum structure on the bank of the Tiber, adjacent to the Mausoleum of Augustus. This modern building, designed by Richard Meier, is characterized by its glass, travertine, and steel construction, which offers a stark contemporary contrast to the ancient monument it encloses, while also providing climate control and protection from urban pollution. Its current setting integrates it into the urban fabric of modern Rome, yet consciously sets it apart as a preserved historical artifact.

More facts

  • Sourced from Wikidata (Q623612)

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