The Ara Pacis Augustae (the Altar of Augustan Peace, 9 BCE) was commissioned by the Roman Senate to celebrate the end to the wars fought by the emperor Augustus. It was a monumental altar giving thanks and praise for the era of peace brought to bear by Rome's military might and political power. The richness of the chosen plant elements of such an historically important monument, and their accurate disposition, highlight how they do not play only an ornamental role, but appear to be tools of a cl...