The altar itself is surrounded by a decorative wall which measures 11.6x10.6 m. Entrances to the altar are located in the eastern and western walls. Both the exterior and interior surfaces of the wall are adorned with intricate, sculptured relief depicting various mythical and cultural themes. The lower half of the exterior walls are filled with intricate floral designs of acanthus plants, a central theme in Augustan imagery (Cooley 232). The upper half of the exterior walls contains relief displaying prominent Romans of the Augustan era, popular historical myths, and of course the Roman gods. The North wall contains relief of the Senators and their families taking part in a religious procession. Similarly, the South wall contains relief of the Imperial family, Agrippa, various priests, and Augustus himself partaking in religious ceremonies. The eastern and western walls are carved primarily with images of Mars, Aeneas, Roma, and an ambiguous woman nurturing two children. The interior walls are very modest in comparison to the artistic grandeur of the exterior. Displayed on the walls within the altar is relatively simple leaf and wooden paneling relief. The altar itself displays maximum functionality; it lacks much artistic decoration except for a relief of the Vestal Virgins.