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The Pyramid of Cestius (The Roman Pyramid) stood in a busy traffic intersection in Rome. It was built in about 18-12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius – a magistrate in Rome. The sharply pointed shape of the pyramid is strongly reminiscent of the pyramids of Nubia which had been attacked by the Romans in 23BC. The similarity suggests that Cestius had possibly served in that campaign and had built his as a commemoration. His pyramid is not the only one in Rome, a larger one – the Pyramid of Romulus – once stood between the Vatican and the Mausoleum of Hadrian but was demolished in the 16th century. Today, this Roman pyramid can only be admired from outside. Limited interior visit is granted, and mostly for scholars.
Address: Via Raffaele Persichetti, 00153 Rome
Direction: Subway Line B to Piramide Station
Website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_Cestius
Photo credit: Zachary Maggio, Joris van Rooden, 3impact
