EMPEROR OF THE DAY:

AUGUSTUSReign: 27BC – 14AD

Achievements:

- First Emperor

- Established Roman Peace that lasted 200 years

- “Found Rome as Bricks, left it marble”

Ara Pacis Augustae(The Altar of Augustan Peace)

13-9BC

The BasicsMaterials: Travertine (foundations), Marble (building), Tufa (altar)

Location: Campus Martius (Field of Mars)

Why? To commemorate Augustus’ return from Gaul and Spain

Who? The Senate and the People of Rome (SPQR)

East West = 10.5m

Height = 6.1m

Nth-Sth = 11.6m

ExteriorThe upper level is covered in:

•Relief sculptures featuring mythological/heroic characters.

•Reliefs featuring Augustus’ royal family and senators of Rome.

The lower level features:

•Relief sculptures featuring acanthus plants and symbols of fertility such as flowers, birds, insects and snakes.

Exterior – west side (entrance)

Exterior – west side

Romulus and Remus

Mars Shepherd

Romulus and Remus• Before R&R were born their grandfather Numitor and his brother

Amulius took over the throne of Alba Longa• Even though Numitor was the rightful heir Amulius overthrew him.

However, he was afraid that Numitor’s daughter (Rhea Silvia) would have children who would overthrow him. So he made her become a Vestal Virgin

• Mars took a fancy to her and made her pregnant. Amulius was furious and when R&R were born he made Rhea Silvia throw them into the Tiber

• The river god kept them safe and a shewolf nursed them on Palatine Hill. They were found here by a shepherd who took them home and raised them as his own.

• The boys grew up and found out who their father was and what had happened- they killed Amulius and put Numitor back on the throne

• They then decided to build a city of their own. Romulus began building his on Palatine Hill but Remus mocked him saying his walls were too low- he jumped over them to prove his point and Romulus killed him in anger

Exterior – west side

AeneasIulus?Lavinian sow

Young boy

leading pig

Shrine with

household gods

(Penates and Lares)

Exterior – east sideTellus-

“Mother Earth” Infants

Mother Nature’s fertile bounty

Personification of Water- fresh Personification

of Water- salt

Exterior – East side

All that remains of Roma

Symbolism – west side

Symbolism:2. Relates to the founding of the city of Rome3. Connects Augustus to his famous ancestor4. Connects Romans to gods (Mars)

Symbolism - west side

Symbolism:2. Relates to founding of Roman race3. Connects Augustus to his famous ancestor4. Highlights Romans’ devotion to gods

Symbolism – east side

Symbolism:2. Children, vegetation and animals symbolise fertility and prosperity3. Two maidens symbolise the elements in harmony.

Symbolism – East side

All that remains of Roma

Symbolism:2. Roma is in a peaceful pose – Augustus has brought peace3. She still has her weapons, ready to fight

South Side FriezeThis Priest has distinctive headgear.

The mood is serious and dignified, shows importance and piety of those pictured.

Augustus’ son-in-law Agrippa, with his head covered in priestly style. Augustus also appears, but is in a poor state of repair.

The children are a symbol of hope for the future and fertility. This is Gaius, a grandson of Augustus

North Side Frieze

Senators and officials with their wives and children. They wear and carry symbols of their authority and piety - wreathes, incense boxes, fasces (rods of office).

Sculptural TechniquesThings to look for:2. Depth3. Movement4. Pose5. Drapery6. Mood

Sculptural TechniquesThings to look for:2. Depth3. Movement4. Pose5. Drapery6. Mood

Sculptural Techniques

Sculptural TechniquesThings to look for:2. Depth3. Movement4. Pose5. Drapery6. Mood

Sculptural TechniquesThings to look for:2. Depth3. Movement4. Pose5. Drapery6. Mood

Interior

Interior

Interior