Rhetoric Society Quarterly Jan 2009

TheAra Pacis Augustae: 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
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Lamp (2011)
    “A City of Brick”: Visual Rhetoric in Roman Rhetorical Theory and Practice
    Philosophy & Rhetoric
  2. Kennerly (2010)
    Getting Carried Away: How Rhetorical Transport Gets Judgment Going
    Rhetoric Society Quarterly

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