Ara Pacis

Ara Pacis: Monument of the Augustan Age

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Ara Pacis: Historic Features
The Ara Pacis is an altar built by the will of the Roman Senate in 13 B.C. to celebrate the return of Augustus from a peaceful expedition in Spain, and in southern Gaul that lasted three years. Anyway, the consacretion took place in 9 B.C., on Livia’s, the emperor’s wife, birthday. The first remains of the altar were discovered in the XVI century near to Palace Fiano. In the mid 1800's regular and systematic excavations began, and brought to the discovery of other pieces of the altar. This work of discovery ended in 1938 when the altar was reconstructed and placed in the Mausoleum of Augustus by the Lungotevere, at a certain distance from the site where it was originally found.

Ara Pacis: Description
The Ara Pacis is composed of a rectangular space standing high on a podium, to the long sides there are two doors, reachable by some steps. Inside it there is the altar. The enclosed area is completely decorated by low reliefs, while the decoration of the external surface is divided between the lower band, where there is natural decoration with Acanthus leaves and animals that appear among the friezes, and the superior band, that represents instead different scenes with human figures.

On the west side there is the myth of Rome's foundation on the left panel and an old Aeneas in priestly dress while celebrating a sacrifice on the right panel. On the eastern side, on the left panel there is a female deity whose identity is still discussed by scholars. It has been assumed that she is mother earth, or Venus, Aeneas’ mother, whom Gens Iulia descended from according to a legend. On the left panel we can find a depiction of the goddess Rome.

To the northern and southern sides we can recognize various scenes where Augustus is surrounded by priests, while to the southern side, apart from Augustus, we can observe Agrippa, the Emperor’s son-in-law and friend, and his little son, Gaius Caesar, represented attached to his father’s gown. The internal decoration of the structure is also divided into a lower and a superior part. On the inferior one the pattern recalls of the fencing built with wooden boards that was typical of ancient altars built by the Auguri. In the superior part the pattern made of ornaments and animals’ skulls alludes to the decoration that was used in ancient wooden fencing.

The altar occupies almost the entire external space. It is placed on a mezzanine and to its sides there are draws for rainwater and water used to clean canteens and tables where sacrifices were celebrated.

Ara Pacis: How to Get There
The Ara Pacis is near to the Lungotevere at the corner of Via Tomacelli. The Flaminio Station and Metro Line A of the underground are 500 m from there. If you want to shorten the route on foot you can catch the bus line number 628 or 926 and get off at Augusto imperatore/Ara Pacis stop.

Ara Pacis: Opening Hours
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The ticket-office closes an hour before.
On 24th and 31th December from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closed on Monday, 1st January, 1th May, and 25th December.

Ara Pacis: Other Things to Visit
The Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza del Popolo, the terrace of the Pincio, the Spanish Steps.

Ara Pacis: Accommodation
For some advice on where you may stayin the area, check out our dedicated pages Hotel in the Center of Rome and B&B in Rome.

Ara Pacis: Where to Eat
After visiting the monument you may choose from a wide selection of Restaurants in Rome or a good Pizza in Rome.

Ara Pacis: Entertainment
If you are looking for music and entertainment you may consider some Pubs in Rome.

More and different things to come in Ara Pacis.

 

 
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