I am a foreign diplomat from a far country, and I am on my first visit to the great city of Rome. From my first exposure to Roman society and specifically the all-powerful leader, Augustus, the currency presented a message by itself. Currency symbolizes survival and stability; therefore, by encrypting Augustus’ face on the symbol of strength, it directly associated Rome’s strength to Augustus. For example, to buy food or clothing to survive, merchants demanded a payment in gold. Presenting Augustus on the currency efficiently glorifies Augustus for the thriving country during this time.
Ara Pacis translates into the altar of peace, and was designed to remind Romans that Augustus was the creator of Roman peace. First, the lower parts of the monument illustrated various kinds of plants and animals, indicating the relaxation Romans could now enjoy away from war. Furthermore, these external markings represented the fertility of Rome during this peaceful period. Because men were no longer demanded for war, Roman men could now enjoy their freedoms with their wives, increasing the birth rate of the nation and restoring families. Second, …show more content…
This temple provided its audience evidence of Rome’s refinement by Augustus. Augustus confirmed the transformation of Rome in this temple, because he “found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble” (Grout). Marble is a luxurious stone that automatically signals wealth, and by Augustus exploiting the marble from foreign lands, he highlighted his dominance over foreign countries (Grout). Also, Romans accredited Venus and Mars to be the founders of Roman civilization. By lavishing the temple with luxurious marble, referencing back to the godly founders, and constructing the temple enormously, the Temple of Mars Ultor proved to foreigners, like myself, the impermeable supremacy of both Augustus and his long-lasting