The Ara Pacis and its Greek Roots: How the Pergamon Altar Shaped the Altar of Peace of Divine Augustus
The Altar of Peace of Divine Augustus (Ara Pacis Divi Augusti) stands as one of the most significant architectural and artistic works of the Roman Empire. It was constructed to honor the peace established by Augustus following his military campaigns in Spain and Gaul, and it serves as a manifestation of his policy promoting the Pax Romana. Although the work is distinctly Roman, its architecture and decorative elements show substantial influence from the Greek world, especially from the Pergamon Altar. In this article, we will examine the history, architecture, and artistic influences of the Ara Pacis, with particular emphasis on how it was inspired by the Temple of Pergamon.
Historical Context and Construction of the Altar
The Altar of Peace was inaugurated on January 30, 9 B.C., commemorating Augustus' return to Rome after his successful campaigns. Its construction was decreed by the Senate in 13 B.C. and was situated in the Campus Martius, an area associated with Rome’s military history and honors bestowed upon great military leaders.
The altar consists of an enclosure and an inner altar, with the enclosure decorated with relief scenes depicting the procession of the imperial family and deities associated with peace. This monument is not just a religious structure but also a political statement of Augustus' success and the new era of peace and prosperity he brought to the empire.
Architectural and Artistic Elements
The Ara Pacis is a masterpiece of Roman architecture and sculpture, blending political propaganda with religious devotion. The outer enclosure is adorned with reliefs that glorify peace, prosperity, and the moral renewal of Rome. These depictions include mythological scenes, such as the founding of Rome and the miracle of peace under Augustus' reign, along with processions portraying members of Augustus' family, priests, and other prominent figures of the time.
The reliefs on the Ara Pacis are characterized by striking realism and naturalism, traits that evolved in Hellenistic art and were transferred to Rome. This influence is evident in the portrayal of figures, the intensity of expressions, and the detailed representation of clothing and faces.
The Influence of the Temple of Pergamon
One of the most significant aspects of the Ara Pacis is the influence it received from the Temple of Pergamon, particularly from the Altar of Zeus and Athena built in the 2nd century B.C. in Pergamon. The Pergamon Altar, famous for its "Gigantomachy" frieze, was one of the greatest architectural and artistic achievements of the Hellenistic period, and it had a profound impact on Roman architecture and art.
This influence is evident in both the structure and decoration of the Ara Pacis. In the Temple of Pergamon, the altar was surrounded by reliefs depicting the battle between the gods and the giants, a theme symbolizing the triumph of order and civilization over chaos and barbarism. This concept was transferred to the Ara Pacis, where the reliefs portray the peace and prosperity that result from Augustus' victory and the establishment of order in Rome.
Additionally, the structure of the Ara Pacis, with its enclosure surrounding the altar, echoes the architectural layout of the Temple of Pergamon. The symbolism of a perimeter enclosing a sacred space and the inner unity it represents are characteristics drawn from Greek models, adapted to the Roman context to serve Augustus' political and religious agenda.
The Altar of Peace of Divine Augustus is not only a religious monument but also a symbol of Augustus' power and political success. Through the study of the Ara Pacis, we can see how Rome adopted and adapted the finest elements of Greek art, blending them with its own traditions and needs. The influence of the Temple of Pergamon is clear, and the result is a monument that embodies the values of the Pax Romana while also demonstrating the continuous cultural interaction between Rome and the Hellenistic world.