  We present an analysis of optical and near infrared spectra of the symbiotic
system AE Ara, composed of an M5.5 III giant similar to the Galactic Bulge M
giants and a hot luminous companion. In particular, we have determined for the
first time spectroscopic orbits based of the radial velocity curves for the red
and the hot component from the M-giant absorption lines and from the wings of
He II 4686 emission profiles, respectively. We have also studied spectral
changes and photometric variations in function of both the orbital phase and
activity. The resulting physical parameters of the binary components and the
nature of the hot component activity are briefly discussed.
