The Altar of Peace in Rome

The Ara Pacis is stuffed with symbolism if you know where to look

Greetings Gold and Silver Level Templar Knights! The Arch of Peace - built by the Romans - had more to do with subjugation than peace. As the Roman historian Tacitus put it when describing his own civilisation: “They make a desert and call it peace”. Let’s take a look at this arch.

It was built by order of the senate to celebrate the return of the first Roman emperor Augustus after a long campaign in Hispania and Gaul. It was consecrated in 9BC. And it was originally located in the Field of Mars - dedicated to the God of War. Making clear the message that peace had been guaranteed by war. It was then relocated to its current spot due to flooding, but also Mussolini was the dictator of Italy in 1938 and relished any opportunity to liken himself to a Roman emperor.

The reliefs around the monument are full of references to Rome’s history but also its politics under Augustus. The first emperor was a very conservative figure who wanted to emphasise the continuity between himself and the city’s past. While at the same, effectively destroying the values of the Republic - and creating the imperial monarchy.