Built in 15 BCE, the Pyramid of Cestius is located near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. It stands out for its historical significance and architectural uniqueness, representing the Roman adoption of Egyptian styles.
The design of the tomb was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt, reflecting the cultural fusion present in Rome after the conquest of Egypt in 31 BCE. Built in the style of the Nubian pyramids, it stands at 37 meters high and has a square base with each side approximately 30 meters long. The pyramid is made of brick-faced concrete covered with white marble slabs on a travertine foundation, giving it a shining appearance. The ceiling of the burial chamber is arched and domed and is decorated with paintings.
Gaius Cestius, for whom the tomb was built, was a magistrate and a member of one of the four religious corporations in Rome, the Epulones. He held titles including praetor and tribune of the plebs. It was completed in 330 days.
In the 4th century CE, on the orders of Emperor Aurelian, the Pyramid of Cestius was incorporated into the new walls of the city of Rome. Today, it is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
According to Travel And Tour World, for those visiting Rome in search of something beyond the usual tourist hotspots, the Pyramid of Cestius provides a rare insight into an overlooked part of the city's history. The publication notes that with the expected increase in visitors, the Pyramid of Cestius is anticipated to become an essential part of Rome's evolving tourism industry.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq