Ancient Tuesday: Ara Pacis Augustae
- Rick Bessey
- Jul 1
- 1 min read
The religion of ancient Rome called for animal sacrifice on an altar. To protect the priest from seeing any bad omens, the altar was sometimes surrounded by a protective wall. This is what you are seeing when you view the Ara Pacis Augustae, or the Altar of Augustan Peace.
Augustus became emperor after a time of civil war in Rome and boasted (with reason) that he brought peace to Rome. Notice the vines and flora that are present in the lower half of the wall. These are the result of the peace brought by Augustus; nature flourishes.
The upper register includes recognizable images of the Senate and members of the imperial family. As you, the passerby, walk alongside the altar, you are walking with the family of the emperor.
This marvelous artifact has been recently cleaned and displayed beautifully and accessibly. The visitor can even walk inside the walls and up to the altar itself! In 2025, the complex underwent an even bigger refurbishment, with the opening of the adjacent Mausoleum of Augustus.
Are you interested in seeing this?
Yes!
If there is time.
It doesn't really call to me.
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