Tour this unique funeral monument constructed in the shape of an Egyptian Pyramid. This funeral monument was dedicated to the member of the College of the Septemviri, Caius Cestius Epulone, who died around 12 BC. The work gives insight into the aristocratic classes’ fascination with Egypt after its conquest in 30 BC. The structure consists of concrete covered by slabs of marble. The Cestia pyramid is approximately 37 meters tall, and rests on square base measuring 30 meters per side. One slab on the east side shows that the work was done in less than 330 days. This followed the official ordinances of the time which established the maximum term to complete the funeral monument. The complex, built in an isolated position along Via Ostiense, is near the area of Porta di San Paolo along the course of the Aurelian Walls, where it was placed by the same emperor between 274 and 277 AD. During the Middle Ages, the Cestia Pyramid was mistakenly considered the tomb of Remus, brother of Rome’s founder Romulus; it was restored by Alexander VII between 1656 and 1663 AD as the inscription on the west side testifies. During that occasion, it is thought that an entrance was opened into the funeral chambers in order to steal the marble
sepulcher. The interior measures 6 by 4 meters and has vaulted ceilings thatwere decorated with frescos of female figures and ornamental paintings, some of which are still well preserved.