World Scholar
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Culture | History | Architecture
Shedding light on the hidden wonders of the world.
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Shedding light on the hidden wonders of the world.
Join The House of Wisdom Newsletter: worldscholar.beehiiv.com
In Italy, train stations are as beautiful as museums.
June 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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…
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…
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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…
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…
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.
Rome has obelisks... and a lot of them.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
And the other pyramid in the city was the tomb of Romulus.
The twin brothers, who founded Rome in 753 BC.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
Much of its survival is owed to it being incorporated into Rome’s Aurelian Walls, by Emperor Aurelian, in the 3rd century AD.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
Cestius was also probably involved in these campaigns, suggesting why this design instead was chosen instead.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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”
“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”
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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”
“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”
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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…
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…
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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…
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...
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
They admired the Pyramids of Giza.
After all, they were much more ancient to the Romans than the Romans are to us.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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?
All of this laid the groundwork for one of Rome's most unusual marvels.
But it begs the question: Why a pyramid?
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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?
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.
17 years later, Egypt became a province of the Empire.
So by the 1st century BC, Egypt had captivated the Roman imagination.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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...
Well, the story starts 2071 years ago, with Julius Caesar’s conquest of the Nile...
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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...
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.
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.
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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.
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... 🧵
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... 🧵
February 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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... 🧵
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... 🧵
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.
One of Cinque Terre's most iconic gems.
The whole setting is picturesque: colorful houses and terraced vineyards lining the coast.
February 4, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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.
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.
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.
February 4, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 4, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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.
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.
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.
February 4, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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.
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.
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
The distinctive Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture is unmatched.
Its fairy-tale towers are perhaps the most famous feature, influenced by the Reconquista
February 4, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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
The distinctive Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture is unmatched.
Its fairy-tale towers are perhaps the most famous feature, influenced by the Reconquista