The Italian capital on Tuesday marks the 2,000th anniversary of the death of Augustus, who founded and ruled the ancient Roman empire for 41 years from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. The city has scheduled a number of events to celebrate the great statesman, military commander, diplomat and reformer whose reign ushered in an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana (The Roman Peace), during which the Roman world was largely free from large-scale conflict for more than two centuries. Among his many monuments in Rome is the Ara Pacis Augustae (Latin for Altar of Augustan Peace, commonly shortened to Ara Pacis), commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC and dedicated to the Roman goddess of Peace in honor of Augustus' return to Rome after a three-year military campaign in Spain and France.
On Tuesday, the Ara Pacis, which is now housed under a glass structure designed by American architect Richard Meier, will remain open to the public until midnight. From 9pm until closing, its beautiful two-tiered friezes portraying Roman gods, goddesses and politicians will be lit up by a digitally projected light show. The Ara Pacis is connected to a museum of the same name, where a show called The Art of Command. The Heritage of Augustus is on view through September 7, its 12 sections illustrating how great leaders in history such as Charlemagne, Frederick II, Charles V or Napoleon reinterpreted Augustus' legacy, sometimes imitating him outright. Near the Ara Pacis is the Mausoleum of Augustus, which is perhaps the most famous of the great emperor's monuments.
Begun in 23 AD upon the emperor's return from a military campaign in Egypt, the mausoleum ended up housing many of Augustus' relatives. The monument is off limits pending restoration, however it will be open Tuesday morning from 9.30-11.30am for guided tours.
Next month on the Palatine Hill, where Augustus made his home and which became the seat of imperial power during his reign, the Palatine Museum will unveil a restored ground floor with a new annex, as well as an upper floor outfitted with new multimedia equipment and a movie on the life of Augustus and his reign.
In the House of Augustus, all of the rooms that have been excavated thus far will be on display to the public for the first time, as will recently restored elaborate frescoes on the walls of the triclinium, an underground dining area.
Also on the Palatine, the House of Livia, built for Augustus's beloved third wife and trusted adviser Livia Drusilla, has been restored and equipped with an elevator allowing access to the disabled.
Visits are by reservation and open to small groups only, to preserve the site. Reservations can be made beginning on August 25 for the opening date, September 18.
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