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Pyramid of Cestius, Rome
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Pyramid of Cestius, Rome
The pyramid was built about 18 BC-12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo, a magistrate and member of one of the four great religious corporations at Rome, the Septemviri Epulonum. It is of brick-faced concrete covered with slabs of white marble standing on a travertine foundation, measuring 100 Roman feet (22 m) square at the base and standing 125 Roman feet (27 m) high. In the interior is the burial chamber, a simple barrel-vaulted rectangular cavity measuring 5.95 metres long, 4.10 wide and 4.80 high. When it was (re)discovered in 1660, the chamber was found to be decorated with frescoes, which were recorded by Pietro Santi Bartoli, but only the scantest traces of these now remain. There was no trace left of any other contents in the tomb, which had been plundered in antiquity
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Media ID 4403087
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Brick Cestius Concrete Covered Faced Gaius Magistrate Marble Member Pyramid Slabs Tomb
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Pyramid of Cestius, an architectural marvel and a testament to ancient Roman engineering and artistic innovation, stands proudly in Rome. Built around 18 BC-12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo, a magistrate and esteemed member of one of the four great religious corporations at Rome, the Septemviri Epulonum, this pyramid is a unique blend of concrete, marble, and travertine. Measuring 100 Roman feet (22 m) square at the base and standing 125 Roman feet (27 m) high, the structure is a sight to behold. The exterior of the pyramid is covered in white marble slabs, adding to its grandeur. The interior, however, holds a simpler yet intriguing design. The burial chamber, a barrel-vaulted rectangular cavity measuring 5.95 metres long, 4.10 wide, and 4.80 high, was once adorned with beautiful frescoes. These frescoes, which depicted various mythological scenes, were recorded by Pietro Santi Bartoli in the late 17th century. Unfortunately, only the faintest traces of these vibrant decorations remain today. The tomb, which was discovered in 1660, had been plundered in antiquity, leaving no trace of any other contents. Despite this, the Pyramid of Cestius continues to captivate visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty. A symbol of ancient Rome's rich cultural heritage, this structure stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and artistic prowess of its creators.
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