The Ara Pacis and the Date of Augustus’ Restoration of the Flamonium Diale: A Note on Tac. Ann. III 58, 2 and Dio LIV 36, 1

Abstract

Based on his analysis of the procession of the imperial family depicted on the southern side of the Ara Pacis Augustae and his interpretation of a passage from Cassius Dio (LIV 36, 1), G.W. Bowersock (in his 1990 paper) challenges the emendation proposed by Lachmann (quinque instead of duobus) in Tacitus (Ann. III 58, 2). Subsequently, he suggests that the appointment of a new flamen Dialis by Augustus occurred in 14 BC. Although Bowersock’s perspective finds favor among numerous Tacitean scholars, this paper contends that it lacks robust support. A more plausible scenario, as argued herein, is that Augustus reinstated the flamonium Diale in early 11 BCE.