material culture exercise 3b
Spend at least five minutes looking closely at each of the images on the slideshow above (click on the image for a larger version) and take notes on what you think they convey.
How is Augustus’ “look” different from Alexander’s, and where are there similarities?
How is he represented in contrast (or not) to the people around him in the procession frieze, and why do you think he is shown in this way?
What does it mean to have women and children on this monument – what is Alexander trying to convey about them, do you think?
The altar itself is a symbol of his leadership, and conveys symbolism associated with nature, fertility, and religion:
Why are these three aspects important? How are they interrelated?
What do they say about the leadership of Augustus?
Is there a fundamental difference between the portrayal of a leader as a soldier, a priest, or a god (like Alex)? Discuss the implications.
One panel shows Aeneas, the mythical founder of Rome, who was thought to have been Augustus’ ancestor. Why was it important to include this on the altar: what does that do for the perception of Augustan Leadership?