Tomb of the Scipios

The Tomb of the Scipios, located on the ancient Appian Way in Rome, is one of the most important and fascinating funerary monuments of ancient Rome. This tomb, dating back to the 3rd century BC, was the burial place of the Scipio family, one of the most illustrious patrician families of the Roman Republic. The most famous members of the family include Scipio Africanus, the general who defeated Hannibal in the Second Punic War, and Scipio Aemilianus, who destroyed Carthage in the Third Punic War. The tomb was discovered in 1780 and represents an extraordinary example of Roman funerary architecture. Originally built by Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, consul in 298 BC, the tomb was expanded in the following centuries to accommodate the remains of other family members. The structure is carved into tuff and develops on multiple levels, with a monumental entrance decorated with inscriptions and reliefs celebrating the deeds and virtues of the Scipios. The main entrance of the tomb, decorated with a Doric-style facade, leads to a main funerary chamber. Here are the sarcophagi of the main family members, each adorned with celebratory inscriptions. The sarcophagus of Scipio Barbatus, one of the oldest, is decorated with an inscription extolling his virtues and military achievements. This inscription, engraved in Saturnian verses, represents one of the oldest examples of Latin epigraphy. A distinctive feature of the tomb is the presence of a series of inscriptions documenting the history and exploits of the Scipio family. Some of these inscriptions, which have been transferred to the Vatican Museums for preservation, offer valuable testimony of the culture and society of Roman times. Among the most famous inscriptions, in addition to that of Scipio Barbatus, is that of his son, Lucius Cornelius Scipio, which celebrates his victory over an Etruscan king. The structure of the tomb reflects the influence of Hellenistic architecture, with the use of Doric columns and decorated capitals. This combination of Greek and Roman architectural elements is typical of the Republican era, when Rome began to assimilate and adapt the cultural influences of the conquered civilizations. The Tomb of the Scipios, with its architecture and decorations, therefore represents a significant example of this cultural fusion. In addition to its historical and architectural importance, the Tomb of the Scipios also has a symbolic value. The choice of the Appian Way as a burial place was not random: this road, one of the oldest and most important consular roads in Rome, was a symbol of power and prestige. Buried along the Appian Way, the Scipios ensured that their memory was associated with the greatness and glory of Rome. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of the tomb in the 18th century. During the excavations, various funerary objects were found, including cinerary urns and fragments of statues, which helped reconstruct the history of the Scipio family and better understand Roman funerary practices. Some of these artifacts are now displayed in the Vatican Museums and the National Roman Museum, where they can be admired by scholars and visitors. Over the centuries, the tomb has undergone various vicissitudes. During the Middle Ages, the structure was partially dismantled and used as a tuff quarry. However, thanks to the excavations and restorations carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, the tomb has been largely recovered and today represents one of the main archaeological attractions of the Appian Way.