Piramide Cestia

Cestius Pyramid

Tomb for a Roman

Description

This monument is the tomb of Caius Cestius, Praetor and Tribune of the plebeians during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Cestius, who had visited the pyramids in Egypt, decided to create one for himself as a tomb. Made in white marble, it is incorporated in the Aurelian walls. During the second half of the 17th century, while the base of the pyramid was being cleaned, various pieces of columns were found, along with marble bases with the names of the descendants of Caius Cestius engraved on them, and a bronze foot. Inside the monument, there were no precious objects, probably because a law had been passed forbidding excess luxury and the burying of gold. As a result, the gold-embroidered clothing belonging to Caius was sold, and the heirs used the money to erect the large bronze statue, of which just the foot remains.