Reading a Roman masterpiece

The Ara Pacis is more than an altar: it's a story carved in marble, a "snapshot" of the Rome of Augustus and his vision of peace. Here's what to look for as you visit.

The processional friezes

The most famous reliefs are the processional friezes along the altar's long sides: a sweeping procession of figures walking toward a sacrifice. Among them are Augustus, members of the imperial family, priests, magistrates and dignitaries, several of whom can be identified precisely. It's one of the most extraordinary records of Augustan society: you can even pick out the children, rendered with remarkable naturalness. Look closely at the faces, the robes and the gestures.

The Tellus relief

On one of the short sides sits the celebrated Tellus relief (sometimes read as Italia or Peace): a serene female figure surrounded by children, fruit, animals and symbols of nature. It embodies the prosperity and fertility secured by the peace of Augustus, one of the most harmonious and beloved images in Roman art.

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The mythological scenes: Aeneas and the Lupercal

On the other short side, the reliefs tie Augustus to the origins of Rome:

  • The scene of Aeneas performing a sacrifice: the Trojan hero, mythical ancestor of the Romans and of the family of Augustus.
  • The Lupercal scene, with the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus (now heavily fragmentary).

It's a refined political message: Augustus presents himself as the rightful heir to Rome's history and destiny.

The acanthus scrolls

The lower part of the walls is covered with an extraordinary vegetal frieze: acanthus scrolls, tendrils, flowers and small hidden animals (lizards, birds, insects). It's a masterpiece of sculptural virtuosity, a symbol of the abundance and rebirth that peace brings. Step closer to discover the details tucked among the leaves.

The Richard Meier museum

The modern glass case enclosing the altar is part of the experience in its own right: the natural light filtering through Richard Meier's wide windows brings out the marble and shifts throughout the day. Through the glass you can also see the Mausoleum of Augustus, in dialogue with the altar. We cover it in our guide to the Richard Meier museum.

How to plan your visit

In 45 minutes to an hour you can see everything at an easy pace:

  1. The processional friezes (Augustus and the imperial family)
  2. The Tellus relief
  3. The scenes of Aeneas and the Lupercal
  4. The acanthus scrolls (look for the hidden animals)
  5. Meier's architecture and the view of the Mausoleum

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the Ara Pacis? The processional friezes with Augustus and the imperial family, the Tellus relief, the mythological scenes of Aeneas and the Lupercal, and the exquisite acanthus scrolls, all set within Richard Meier's modern glass case.

What is the Tellus relief? A serene female figure surrounded by children, fruit and animals, a symbol of the prosperity and fertility brought by the peace of Augustus: one of the most beloved images in Roman art.

Who appears in the processional friezes? Augustus, members of the imperial family, priests and dignitaries in procession: an extraordinary "snapshot" of Augustan society, with some of the figures identifiable.

What are the acanthus scrolls? The vegetal frieze decorating the lower part of the walls, with tendrils, flowers and small hidden animals: a masterpiece of virtuosity, a symbol of rebirth and prosperity.

How much time do you need to see everything? About 45 minutes to an hour, enough to take in the reliefs, the mythological scenes and the museum's architecture.

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Article #355 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026