Sacrificial Altar
Outside of Left Wing
The frieze on the outside of the left wing is the best preserved section of the small frieze (32 cm high) that originally wrapped around the entire crown, interrupted by the recumbant lion-giffins at the 4 corners. Unlike the processional friezes on the outside of the enclosing precinct walls, the figures and animals on this frieze are widely spaced. This procession is thought to represent the annual sacrifice at the altar.
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"Author's drawing of the plan, with dimensions taken in the field". Unlike most other published ground plans, the width of the stairs leading up to the altar table and of the two forms beside the stairs are correct in this drawing. Scanned from Wayne Andersen, The Ara Pacis of Augustus and Mussolini: An Archaeological Mystery; Geneva: Editions Fabriart, 2003, figs.40 & 58, reproduced with appreciation. |
"Author's drawing. South elevation of the altar, with dimensions taken in the field". Scanned from Wayne Andersen, The Ara Pacis of Augustus and Mussolini: An Archaeological Mystery; Geneva: Editions Fabriart, 2003, fig.43, reproduced with appreciation.
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"Author's quick sketch made at the site", with comments regarding reconstruction. Scanned from Wayne Andersen, The Ara Pacis of Augustus and Mussolini: An Archaeological Mystery; Geneva: Editions Fabriart, 2003, fig.46, reproduced with appreciation.
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Recumbant lion-griffin, at back of left wing. photo July-Oct. 2008
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Outside of left wing. This intact frieze and griffin-lions establish the width of the sacrificial table, which otherwise would be unknown. photo July 2008 |
Recumbant lion-giffin, at front of left wing. photo July-Oct. 2008
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Men in short tunics lead 3 animals to sacrifice, possibly an ox, bull, and ram. Composite panorama - slight perspective distortion (photos July 2008, collage Tony Moreno)
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Outside of left wing, from back. photo Oct. 2008
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Central section of frieze, men assistants directing a bull to the right. At the left, an assitant pulls an ox. photo Oct. 2008 |
Outside of left wing, from front. photo Oct. 2008
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