Ara Pacis

The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) is an Augustan monument in Rome originally erected in the late first century BCE to honor peace under Emperor Augustus. The monument is noted for its finely carved marble reliefs depicting ritual processions, mythological figures and allegorical scenes.

The surviving sculpted enclosure and altar are displayed today under the Museo dell’Ara Pacis, a purpose-built museum on the Lungotevere designed to protect the monument and present interpretive material. The friezes and panels are studied for their stylistic and political significance in Augustan Rome.

Commissioned by the Roman Senate and constructed between about 13 and 9 BCE, the altar was dedicated in 9 BCE as part of Augustan commemoration of his achievements. The monument has been the subject of archaeological recovery and restoration since its rediscovery.

It lies beside the Tiber in central Rome near the Mausoleum of Augustus and is accessible from the nearby historic centre and major visitor routes.

• Dates: The altar was built between 13 and 9 BCE and was dedicated in 9 BCE to commemorate peace under Emperor Augustus.

What to See #

• The altar: The Ara Pacis itself is the marble altar and sculpted enclosure featuring processional friezes and allegorical reliefs from the Augustan period.
• Museum building: The modern Museo dell'Ara Pacis houses the monument under controlled conditions and was designed by architect Richard Meier; it provides museum displays and visitor access.