I went to a tourist attraction today!!! The altar, commissioned by the Senate following pacification work launched by Emperor Augustus, dates from 9 BC. The first panels were found in 1500 and ended up in Paris and Florence. Made from marble and beautifully sculpted, probably by Greek artists, the panels formed an enclosure around a base with an altar in the centre. The figures are from the imperial family. Restoration work was begun in 1938. Now the altar is protected by a glass covering