Rome - Tomb of Caecilia Metalla Tomba di Cecilia Metella

The tomb of Caecilia Metella and her husband, one of the best known of ancient Roman monuments, stands in a conspicuous position in the picturesque setting of the Via Appia Antica in Rome. This tall 11m/35ft cylindrical structure, 20m/65ft in diameter, was erected by the famous family of the Metelli in the first century B.C. Caecilia Metella was the daughter of a general, Quintus Metellus Cretius, conqueror of Crete, and her husband was a son of Crassus who was a member of the Triumvirate together with Caesar and Pompey. The sarcophagus of Caecilia Mettela may be seen in the courtyard of the Palazzo Farnese. In 1302 the Caetani family incorporated the tomb in their castle which they equipped with battlements. The fortifications, stretching along both sides of the Via Appia, defended the strategic approach to the city.