Mausoleo Circolare VIII miglio
00134 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital
Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)
Details
INCIPIT: A HIDDEN MAUSOLEUM This is a little-known place, not featured in many guides, which I have been documenting photographically since 2022 and which, over time, I have included and reviewed. A place at risk of disappearing twice: first from collective memory and then even from digital maps. I am happy to republish this updated and expanded account, in the belief that some urban details deserve to be rediscovered and highlighted. WHERE IT IS LOCATED: This circular mausoleum is located near the so-called Temple of Hercules, in the IX District (Appio Latino), at the eighth mile on the right of Via Appia Antica at number 400. Given its importance in ancient times, this road was called "regina viarum" (queen of roads), in the evocative Archaeological Park of the same name. HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE BRIEF: Unfortunately, especially in the summer, this site is almost completely covered by overgrown vegetation. It is a concrete tomb from the Imperial period, with a circular tambour and probably originally covered by a cone-shaped roof. On the core, a few traces of the covering are visible, some resting on the ground in front. It is assumed that the decoration consisted of a series of
This is a little-known place, not featured in many guides, which I have been documenting photographically since 2022 and which, over time, I have included and reviewed. A place at risk of disappearing twice: first from collective memory and then even from digital maps.
I am happy to republish this updated and expanded account, in the belief that some urban details deserve to be rediscovered and highlighted.
WHERE IT IS LOCATED:
This circular mausoleum is located near the so-called Temple of Hercules, in the IX District (Appio Latino), at the eighth mile on the right of Via Appia Antica at number 400.
Given its importance in ancient times, this road was called "regina viarum" (queen of roads), in the evocative Archaeological Park of the same name.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE BRIEF:
Unfortunately, especially in the summer, this site is almost completely covered by overgrown vegetation.
It is a concrete tomb from the Imperial period, with a circular tambour and probably originally covered by a cone-shaped roof.
On the core, a few traces of the covering are visible, some resting on the ground in front.
It is assumed that the decoration consisted of a series of bas-relief blocks depicting acanthus shoots and flowers, as suggested by the discovery of a block of peperino stone at the foot of the monument, which would date it to the Augustan era.
Some attribute it to the scribe questorius Pompeius Maius, whose epigraph from the 1st century AD can still be seen about 200 meters earlier: M POMPEIVS M F/MAI/SCR Q
FUN FACT: DID YOU KNOW THAT...?
Along the Appian Way, mausoleums were truly family monuments, symbols of prestige and memory.
Many of them were decorated with plant reliefs because, in Roman culture, acanthus represented rebirth and vitality.
In summer, vegetation almost completely envelops it, making it almost a "hidden treasure" that emerges only to those who know how to observe.
A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
It is not marked by large tourist signs; it is a place you stumble upon almost by chance, without crowds of visitors.
But those who discover it are fascinated. It is an invitation to slow down, observe, and be surprised.
The ancient paving plays an important role, making the gaze linger, as if wanting to continue the story.
Photographing this place means capturing a fragment of history.
It is a small sign that encapsulates the imagery of an entire era.
IN CONCLUSION:
The Appian Way unfolds between trees and ancient stones. A journey that combines nature, archaeology, and memory.
If this place has piqued your curiosity, let Rome continue to surprise you. Explore my other reviews to discover a secret city, full of details, emotions, and timeless wonders.