The question this time is who is the female figure holding the children represented in the Ara Pacis relief? Image: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/early-empire/a/ara-pacis
For research go to libraries.psu.edu, then go to “Databases” at the University Libraries website. Select JSTOR. Under “advanced search” type in Ara Pacis on one line and Tellus, or Venus on the other line
Several articles will come up.
Download and read at least two articles that have opposing views about her identity. The major possibilities are Tellus (Terra Mater or mother earth), Italia, Rhea Silvia, Venus, or Peace.
Summarize the arguments in each article. On what basis does each author pin his/her identification of the figure?
2.Compare the arguments (which make sense, which are too far fetched, which are based upon reasonably secure textual or artistic prototypes?)
3.Tell which identification you prefer and why.
Three Pages, double-spaced, 12 point-font.