Ara Pacis

I absolutely loved the Museo Dell'Ara Pacis! The Ara Pacis is a great Altar of Peace made between 13 and 9 BCE in order to commemorate the return Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Consequently, the altar is decorated with reliefs that celebrate the longevity and splendor of Rome, including a depiction of the goddess Rome herself. The altar is open to the sun, a common theme in pre-Christian religious architecture. The altar also serves to honor the Roman gods in an effort by Augustus to maintain the gods' favor. The altar also serves to mark Augustus as part god to further his reputation among the people of Rome.


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