Step Three: Understanding Roman Leadership from a Sacred Monument, The Ara Pacis (1:30)
The Romans inherited a rich tradition of monarchic representation from the Hellenistic rulers they conquered and then governed. By the time we reach the first century before the common era, they had thoroughly adapted the Hellenistic styles to their own traditions and political goals. Perhaps no leader was better at doing this than the first emperor of the Roman Empire, Augustus, formerly Octavian. The consecration of the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) in 9 BCE is an excellent example of the Roman use of iconography to promote an elaborate vision of the leadership of an individual and of a people.
In conjunction with "Listening for Leadership, Part One" below, take a tour of the Ara Pacis and learn about the Roman emperor Augustus from this Khan Academy Presentation and read this essay from Dr. Jeffrey Becker. Note that the narrators of the film talk a lot about how the altar represents peace and fertility. More broadly, it also represents the connection between leadership and religion, as the altar would have been used in religious festivals.
Listening for Leadership, Part One
Listening for Leadership, Part Two
There is some discussion over who is depicted in the so-called "Aeneas Panel". Read this article by Paul Rehak. Discuss the different possibilities of the interpretations. What does Rehak think, and why is it significant for the depiction of leadership on this monument? What is your own interpretation?
In the next example, we will look at another Roman Emperor, Trajan, and his famous column.
