Myth and Power - Augustus

Front

What myth is shown?

What is the significance of the wolf?

What is their significance to Rome?

Back

Romulus and Remus

The wolf found and nursed the twins

Romulus founded the city of Rome after killing his brother Remus

Front

Who is this figure thought to be?

Why would Augustus want this myth included on the Ara Pacis?

What links the figure shown to Rome?

Back

Aeneas

Augustus wanted to emphasise his family's connection to the gods and presented himself as a descendent of Aeneas, the son of Venus

Aeneas travelled from Troy to found a new city; he established the city of Lavinium in Italy which led to the foundation of Rome many years later

Front

Who is shown?

What is the name of this statue?

How does it link the person to the gods? Why is this important?

How are they shown to have a political role?

How are they shown to be a military commander?

Back

Augustus

Prima Porta

He is shown with bare feet; the statue of Cupid on a dolphin links him to Venus, the mother of Aeneas

He is wearing a toga

He is in the posture of a military commander addressing his troops (raised arm) and wears a breastplate

Front

What is this?

Where in Rome was it located?

What links it to the Parthenon sculptures?

Why was this important?

How does it show the fertility and abundance of Rome?

Back

Ara Pacis - altar of peace

Campus Martius (originally a military training ground so provides a reminder that Augustus ended the civil war)

It is made of marble; the frieze shows a procession similar to the Panathenaic procession but made up of the imperial family and priests/senators

Augustus wanted to recreate the Golden Age of Greek Architecture

There is natural imagery carved all around (flowers, leaves, plants) and a goddess (Pax, Venus or Tellus) is shown in a harmonious scene with two babies

Front

What three goddesses could this be?

How does this create a harmonious image?

How does it show the fertility of Rome?

Back

Venus, Pax (personification of peace), Tellus (Mother earth)

Different animals resting together

The children shown suggest fertility and growth

Front

Who is shown on this panel?

How does this show the military might of Rome?

What had Augustus had to do with war?

Back

Roma (the personification of Rome)

She is sitting on a pile of weapons

Augustus was involved in the civil war (the struggle for power in Rome) following Julius Caesar's death; he was successful and promoted himself as the bringer of peace to Rome (Pax Romana)

Front

Who are the children related to?

Why are they included on the Ara Pacis?

What's unusual about how they are shown?

Back

Augustus

To promote Augustus' legacy and lineage and promote the imperial family

They are misbehaving so are shown realistically rather than being idealised

Front

How can we tell some of these figures are priests?

Why are there priests shown?

Back

Their heads are covered/they are wearing veils

Because they are shown processing towards the altar; Augustus wanted to promote the Pax Deorum (keeping the gods happy)

Front

Who was Augustus and what was his role in Rome?

What religious title did he have?

What were his four aims for architecture?

Back

First Roman emperor

Pontifex Maximus (head of the Pontiffs)

Recreate the golden age of Greek architechture; self- and family promotion; Pax Deorum (keeping the gods happy); Pax Romana (promoting the Roman peace)