Ara Pacis, Rome

Ara Pacis, Rome

Ara Pacis was commissioned in 13 BC by the Roman Senate to commemorate Augustus’ triumphant return from Hispania and Gaul, which brought peace to the Roman Empire.

Ara Pacis was commissioned in 13 BC by the Roman Senate to commemorate Augustus’ triumphant return from Hispania and Gaul, which brought peace to the Roman Empire. An ‘Altar of Peace’ in Campus Martius, it was inaugurated in 9 BC but neglected over time and buried under layers of silt, inundated by the Tiber. It was excavated and reassembled in the 20th century, and is today housed in a new building designed by Richard Meier. The Ara Pacis is a finely sculpted masterpiece with Augustan sculptures on the friezes depicting the proliferation of peace brought about by the Roman victory. The north and south walls show subjects celebrating the peace created by Augustus. The east wall depicts fertility centered around a feminine figure, variously identified as Pax, Tellus and Venus. It also has a panel showing Roma sitting on a pile of weapons confiscated from the enemy, thereby enforcing peace. The west wall has reliefs describing stories about Rome’s inception. The Ara Pacis museum also has a column representing the now disintegrated Sundial of Augustus obelisk, which the emperor had built in Campus Martius along with the altar. To reach Ara Pacis, get down at Spagna on Metro A and walk down through Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Augusto Imperatore. If you are taking the bus, get onto number 628 which stops at Augusto Imperatore - Ara Pacis.