The Pyramid of Gaius Cestius was built in approximately 12 B.C. under the reign of emperor Augustus, previously known as Octavian. The pyramid was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius Epulo, who was a member of the Roman collegium, Septemviri Epulonum, which was a religious, legal group. The tomb’s design was of Egyptian influence, which can largely be attributed to the conquest of Egypt by emperor Augustus only 18 years prior to the construction of the tomb.

The tomb itself was constructed out of brick-faced concrete, and was covered in slabs of white marble. The entirety of the pyramid was situated on a travertine foundation. The base of the tomb was 30 meters by 30 meters wide and was nearly 37 meters tall. The pyramid was sealed shut when originally built, however was reopened in 1660 and was found to contain a single burial chamber which was 5.95 meters long, 4.10 meters wide, and 4.80 meters high. The majority of the contents of the tomb have since been stolen and nothing remains except faded paintings which cover the inside of the burial chamber.

The pyramid is located in the southern part of Rome and was incorporated into the construction of the Aurelian Walls, which were built around 270 A.D. In modern times, the pyramid is adjacent to a busy road on one side, and a Protestant Cemetery on the other.

In addition to its role in Roman history, the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius has played a role in the development of European art. Compared to the actual Egyptian pyramids the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius was built to be much more steep. The only location in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance to see a pyramid was in Rome and because of this the vast majority of the depictions of the Egyptian pyramids throughout this time period show the pyramids with the Roman dimensions.

To this day, the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius remains in excellent condition, including the original inscription on the Eastern edge of the pyramid, which states:

“C. Cestius L.F. Pob. Epulo pr. tr.pl.
VII vir epulonum
Opus apsolutum ex testamento diebus CCCXXX arbitratu
L. Ponti P.F. Cla. Melae heredis et Pothi L.”

Which means:

“Gaius Cestius Epulo, son of Lucius, of the Poblilian district, praetor, tribune of the people, official of the public banquets. According to his will, this work was completed in 330 days, and executed by his heirs L. Pontus Mela, son of Publius, of the Claudian district, and his freedman Pothus.”

The Pyramid of Gaius Cestius has become a distinct monument in Rome, and still pays tribute to the man whose life it commemorated.

Shaun