Rome

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Ara Pacis Augustae

The Ara Pacis (‘Altar of Peace’) was inaugurated in 9 BC to celebrate the security that Augustus’ victories had brought. The altar was rebuilt in the early 20th century from fragments amassed through a long dig and a trawl through the world’s museums. The altar itself sits inside an enclosure carved with delicately realistic reliefs. The upper band shows the ceremonies surrounding the dedication of the altar. The carved faces of Augustus and his family have all been identified. It now resides in a container designed by Richard Meier, inaugurated to much fanfare in 2006.

The forlorn brick cylinder next door in piazza Augusto Imperatore was originally a mausoleum covered with marble pillars and statues, begun in 28 BC. Augustus was laid to rest in the central chamber on his death in AD 14.

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