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Ara Pacis

Ara Pacis is a monument and former altar dedicated to Augustus's military campaign triumphs in, what is now, Spain and France. Also, it is representative of Roman peace during the time. In fact, Ara Pacis means Altar of Peace. The numerous reliefs of plants and flowers on the altar is meant to show the fertility of the Augustan empire. Ironically, the Ara Pacis was primarily an open-air altar for blood sacrifice associated with the Roman state religion. The men and women on the sides of the altar are supposed to represent different screens of the sacrifice. The people, such as lictors, priests, members of the Imperial household, including women and children, attendants are dressed in proper clothing and their solemn faces are somehow meant to be a symbol of peace. There are also fragments depicting scenes from myth. Overall, the altar itself is beautiful but it is what you would expect from a piece of Roman architecture. Until you learn that it was used to sacrifice God-knows-what, then you feel dirty and curious to know more.





  

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