Myth and Power - Augustus

Who is this figure thought to be?

• Aeneas

• Romulus

• Julius Caesar

• Hercules

Who are the children related to? Why are they included on the Ara Pacis? What's unusual about how they are shown?

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

• To depict the children as idealized figures of virtue

• To illustrate the children's role in military conquests

• To show the children as symbols of peace and prosperity

How can we tell some of these figures are priests?

Why are there priests shown?

• They are wearing crowns

• Their heads are covered/they are wearing veils

• They are holding swords

• They are dressed in bright colors

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?

• Augustus

• Julius Caesar

• Nero

• Marcus Aurelius

What myth is shown?
What is the significance of the wolf?
What is their significance to Rome?

• Romulus and Remus

• Hercules and the Nemean Lion

• Theseus and the Minotaur

• Perseus and Medusa

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?

• Ara Pacis - altar of peace, located in Campus Martius

• Colosseum - arena for gladiatorial games, located in the Roman Forum

• Pantheon - temple to all gods, located in the Campus Martius

• Forum Romanum - center of Roman public life, located in the heart of Rome

What three goddesses could this be? How does this create a harmonious image? How does it show the fertility of Rome?

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

• Juno, Minerva, Diana

• Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis

• Isis, Neith, Hathor

Who is shown on this panel? How does this show the military might of Rome? What had Augustus had to do with war?

• Roma (the personification of Rome)

• Julius Caesar

• A Roman soldier

• A gladiator

Who was Augustus and what was his role in Rome? What religious title did he have? What were his four aims for architecture?

• First Roman emperor; Pontifex Maximus; Recreate the golden age of Greek architecture; self- and family promotion; Pax Deorum; Pax Romana

• A famous general; High Priest; Promote military architecture; Build temples; Expand the empire; Establish trade routes

• A senator; Chief Architect; Modernize Roman infrastructure; Create public parks; Develop aqueducts; Enhance trade

• A philosopher; Cultural Leader; Focus on education; Promote arts; Encourage democracy; Strengthen alliances