Rome is very rich in historical monuments that are the heritage of world culture. One of the ancient structures that has come down to us since ancient times is the pyramid of Cestius, a rather atypical mausoleum for the culture of this region, which is located near the gate of San Paolo on the Aventine in Rome. The construction of the mausoleum has the shape of an irregular pyramid and strongly resembles the pyramids of Egypt.
Who rests in the pyramid of Cestius
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the remains of Remus, one of the brothers who, according to legend, founded Rome, were buried in the pyramid of Cestius. Also in those days it was believed that the remains of the second brother - Romulus rested in a similar structure - a pyramid in the Vatican near the Castel Sant'Angelo (this pyramid was demolished in the 16th century). Petrarch even adhered to this opinion, as we know from his works. But later in 1660, Pope Alexander 7 issued a decree, following which they excavated the entrance to the pyramid and there were found marble inscriptions near the bases of the statues, as well as traces of frescoes, which later told about the true history of the construction of this pyramid. It turned out that the pyramid was erected in 15 year for a member of one of the four great corporations in the Roman Empire, a wealthy judge and preor - Gaius Cestius Epulo.
The Tomb of Cestius itself is in a small burial chamber inside the pyramid. Also, many statues were found in the pyramid, which are now kept in the Capitol Museum, and the frescoes and paintings on the walls of the tomb, unfortunately, are almost not preserved, only on one wall they can be more or less discerned. It also became known that it was at that time that buildings in the Egyptian style became fashionable: also in Rome there are still several obelisks that stand in the squares and next to the circus. This structure is enormous: 37 meters high and about 30 meters wide. The material used in the construction of the pyramid is brick and concrete, from which the pyramid was formed on a travertine foundation, and the structure is also covered with marble blocks.
Later, in the 3rd century AD. The Cestius pyramid was included in the complex of defensive structures when the wall of Aurelian was erected. Now the historical value of the Cestius pyramid in Rome is very great, because this building of ancient culture is the only one of its kind, because everything in the pyramids that were erected in the era of Ancient Rome were destroyed.
Promotional video:
And even if this is not a pyramid of the “civilization of the gods”, but a “remake”, the uniqueness and historical value of the object do not raise any doubts.