The great friezes of the Ara Pacis Augustae. Greek sources roman derivatives and augustan social policy

Abstract

Diana E. E. Kleiner, The Great Friezes of the Ara Pacis Augustae. Greek Sources, Roman Derivatives, and Augustan Social Policy, p. 753-785. Three problems concerning the Ara Pacis Augustae are discussed. It is suggested that the Parthenon frieze was not the sole formal source for the processional friezes of the Ara Pacis precinct wall, but that the family groups of the Augustan altar were based upon comparable groups on late classical Greek grave stelai in Athens. It is argued that the Ara Pacis frieze in turn influenced the composition of Augustan funerary reliefs in Rome commissioned by freedmen and their immediate descendants; the Altar of Peace thus had an impact on art produced outside the Imperial circle. Finally, it is suggested that the Ara Pacis frizes must be viewed in connection with the augustan social policy of encouraging marriage and the raising of children.