World Scholar

In Italy, train stations are as beautiful as museums.

These obelisks were deeply symbolic

The hieroglyphs proclaimed the divine authority of the pharaohs who built them.

In Rome, however, these inscriptions took on new interpretations to reflect the grandeur of the emperors who transported them.

This was the Lateran Obelisk.

Today, it stands as the oldest standing structure in Rome and the largest obelisk in the world.

After being re-erected, it became 4 meters (13 ft) shorter, now only weighing 300 tonnes.

But how did they get there?

On a ship powered by 300 oarsmen, all the way across the Mediterranean and then re-erected in Rome.

Keep in mind the largest one was 455 tons…

In fact, more than any other place in the world — even Egypt.

48 were shipped in total. Today, only 13 remain.

8 of these were originally built for Pharaohs and Kings (including the famed, Ramases II).

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But this pyramid isn't the only Egyptian (or rather Nubian) thing you'll find in the city.

Rome has obelisks... and a lot of them.

But after excavations in 1660, its inscriptions were visible again — the myth was busted.

Romulus' pyramid was demolished and what was left of its marble was used in building St Peter’s Basilica's stairs.

Leaving Rome with only one pyramid.

In the Middle Ages, not much was known about the pyramid so people though that it was the tomb of Remus.

And the other pyramid in the city was the tomb of Romulus.

The twin brothers, who founded Rome in 753 BC.

While many Roman monuments fell victim to time, the Pyramid of Cestius held up quite well.

Much of its survival is owed to it being incorporated into Rome’s Aurelian Walls, by Emperor Aurelian, in the 3rd century AD.

After the conquest of Egypt, the Roman Empire made its way and had warred in Nubia (modern-day Sudan), around 23 BC.

Cestius was also probably involved in these campaigns, suggesting why this design instead was chosen instead.

But did you notice something rather peculiar?

Look at how the sides of pyramids are much steeper compared to those that you would find at Giza…

That’s because it bears a striking resemblance to the pyramids of Meroë, in ancient Nubia.

There's an inscription on the southeastern face that tells us more:

“The work was completed, in accordance with the will, in 330 days, by the decision of the heir [Lucius] Pontus Mela, son of Publius of the Claudia, and Pothus, freedman”

Photo credit to romewise

The interior of the pyramid holds a small burial chamber, which was originally decorated with frescoes.

We can’t see them (as clearly) today, but we think they were interpretation of motifs that they found in ancient tombs over in Egypt.

So perhaps with all of this in mind, the Romans built their own pyramid, in 12 BC.

At 37 meters high, it was made of brick-faced concrete and clad in white Carrara marble.

The whole design was rather interesting — "Egyptian" on the outside and Roman on the inside…

For reference, Cleopatra lived closer in time to the Moon landing than to the construction of the pyramids...

To the Romans, who had witnessed the splendor of Alexandria, the mystique of the Nile, and now Giza, Egypt was a land of wonders.

They admired the Pyramids of Giza.

After all, they were much more ancient to the Romans than the Romans are to us.

Romans adopted obelisks and sphinxes. The Pantheon's columns were Egyptian too.

All of this laid the groundwork for one of Rome's most unusual marvels.

But it begs the question: Why a pyramid?

At the Battle of the Nile, in 47 BC, Julius Caesar triumphed and appointed Cleopatra as the co-ruler of Egypt.

17 years later, Egypt became a province of the Empire.

So by the 1st century BC, Egypt had captivated the Roman imagination.

But how did two ancient civilizations manage to become so interconnected?

Well, the story starts 2071 years ago, with Julius Caesar’s conquest of the Nile...

Rome has a pyramid... but why?

First of all, it was built as a tomb for the magistrate, Gaius Cestius, 12 BC.

And secondly, Rome was going through an era that was obsessed with all things Egypt — obelisks, pyramids and temples.

This is the Pyramid of Cestius, the only pyramid in Rome.

But contrary to popular belief, it wasn't built alone 2,047 years ago — and neither was it Egyptian.

Here's what we know about Rome's most unusual wonder... 🧵

Photo by IG asenseofhuber

20. Riomaggiore, La Spezia, Italy (8th Century AD)

One of Cinque Terre's most iconic gems.

The whole setting is picturesque: colorful houses and terraced vineyards lining the coast.

19. Temple Theater of Monte San Nicola, Italy (1st Century BC)

It is hard to imagine, that it was discovered by accident, just 24 years ago.

At its peak, 2000 spectators would look over the cliffside.

18. Kipina Monastery, Tzoumerka, Greece (1212)

Hidden in a cliffside cave, this Ethiopian monastery used to be a solitary retreat for ancient Christian monks.

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17. Castellfollit de La Roca, Catalonia, Spain (13th Century)

Castellfollit sits atop a narrow volcanic cliff.

This isn't just for dramatic effect — it served as a natural barrier against invaders, during the Middle Ages.

16. Wadi Dawan, Hadhramaut, Yemen

Known as the "Grand Canyon of Yemen," it's a less-traveled destination.

But it's a unique example of mud-brick and clifftop architecture, where the oldest "skyscraper" was built 500 years ago.

Photo by albertusmad

15. Alcazar of Segovia, Spain (1454)

The distinctive Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture is unmatched.

Its fairy-tale towers are perhaps the most famous feature, influenced by the Reconquista

14. Mesa Verde, Colorado, USA (1190)

This was the largest cliff dwelling in North America, with the sandstone alcove being inhabited for 700 years.

13. Rocamadour, Occitanie, France (12th Century)

This cliffside village was a major stop for pilgrims on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.


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12. Jodhpur Fort, Mehrangarh, India (1459)

A stunning example of Rajasthani architecture.

The fortress is truly colossal with a range of expansive courtyards that offer views of the "Blue City" of Jodhpur below.