The Ara Pacis

• It was built in 13BC, but dedicated in 9BC.
• 'Alter to Peace'.
• It was to celebrate Augustus' triumphant return from wars in Spain and Gaul.
• Sacrifices would have been made there.
• It was located in the Campus Martius, a place where the military exercised, ironically. 
• Many Greek features such as Corinthian capitals, acanthus leaves and meanders.

The Western Facade:

• Two young boys, an older man, and a sow (a female pig).
• A temple in the background which was temple to the household Gods of Troy.
• The older man may be Aeneas, the mythical founder of Rome. This is because Aeneas was related to Venus and Augustus was a relative of Venus, which he was keen to promote. 
• They had offerings to the God's (the sow). 
• Meander patterning.
• Acanthus leaves on the Corinthian capitals.
• Shows Augustus' eagerness to promote religion in Rome.

• Romulus, Remus and the Shewolf. 
• Mars (their father) and the Shepherd Faustulus who found Romulus and Remus.
• Religion, again, with the presence of Mars.
• Also, the story of Rome, promoting Rome its self.

The Eastern Facade:

• The Goddess of the Earth Tellus with two babies. 
• The babies…