Final answer:
The Ara Pacis was built to honor Augustus' successful campaigns and the peace that marked his rule. As a centerpiece of Augustan renovation in Rome, it served as a potent symbol of political power and religious tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ara Pacis was built to symbolize peace and prosperity under Augustus' reign and to honor his return from successful campaigns in Spain and Gaul. This grand altar, vowed in 13 BCE and dedicated in 9 BCE in the Campus Martius near the Tiber River, was adjacent to other architectural symbols of Augustan power. The Ara Pacis stood as a testament to the Roman state religion and Augustus' establishment of the Pax Romana, which emphasized peace over triumphalism in war. The altar was part of a monumental renovation of Rome's Campus Martius, intended to promote political messages and to celebrate Augustian peace, with its dedication prescribed by the Senate upon Augustus' successful return.
Over time, the Ara Pacis has been rediscovered, with pieces emerging since 1568 and major excavations conducted in the 20th century. Today, housed in a modern pavilion designed by Richard Meier, the Ara Pacis continues to inspire and provoke discussions about its symbolism and Augustus' adept use of political imagery. Despite its ancient origins, the Ara Pacis' legacy is complex, reflecting various interpretations under Classical, Fascist, and modern perspectives. Its detailed reliefs effectively communicate the messages of its era and enduring monumentality.