West: The west side of the Ara Pacis depicts the mythic events that led to the founding of Rome. On the left, there is a relief depicting the finding of Romulus and Remus. On the right, Aeneus, the other mythic founder of Rome and demigod son of Venus, is depicted performing a sacrifice. Aeneus’s depiction is particularly significant due to the fact that Julius Caesar traced his lineage back to Aeneus. By depicting Aenues on the Ara Pacis, Augustus is reaffirming his divine lineage and his rightrul place as Caesar’s heir.
East: Tellus (Mother Earth) is depicted with two children her lap, who are believed to be Gauis and Lucuis, Augustus’s grandson’s and adopted heirs. Here, Augustus’s legacy is affirmed by showing that he has two healthy potential heirs that would be able to carry on his legacy.
Mother Earth with Lucius and Gauis
Aeneus panel depicting him performing a sacrifice
The discovery of Romulus and Remus
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