The<i>Ara Pacis Augustae</i>: Visual Rhetoric in Augustus' Principate

Rhetoric Society Quarterly Jan 2009

The<i>Ara Pacis Augustae</i>: Visual Rhetoric in Augustus' Principate

Kathleen Lamp

Abstract

Abstract Scholars of rhetoric have veered away from non-traditional rhetorical artifacts in the classical period. In this article I examine the Ara Pacis Augustae, Altar of Augustan Peace, as one such overlooked rhetorical artifact. I argue the altar, although constructed as a war monument, shapes public memory to persuade the people of Rome to accept the dynastic succession of Augustus's heir. In addition, I show a variety of rhetorical theories operate on the altar in visual form including amplification, imitation, and enthymeme. Ultimately I contend that by focusing on non-traditional rhetorical artifacts, we can deepen our understanding of the rhetorical tradition in a period in which rhetoric is generally believed to have faded away. Additional informationNotes on contributorsKathleen LampKathleen Lamp is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 702 S. Wright St., 244 Lincoln Hall, MC-456, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. E-mail: lamp@uiuc.edu

Journal: Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published: 2009-01-20
DOI: 10.1080/02773940802356624
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Lamp (2011)

“A City of Brick”: Visual Rhetoric in Roman Rhetorical Theory and Practice

Philosophy & Rhetoric
Kennerly (2010)

Getting Carried Away: How Rhetorical Transport Gets Judgment Going

Rhetoric Society Quarterly

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The streets of Thurii: Discourse, democracy, and design in the classical polis

Rhetoric Society Quarterly

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