Tomb of Hilarus Fuscus, Ancient Roman tomb near Via Appia Antica in Ardeatino, Italy
The Tomb of Hilarus Fuscus is a Roman burial monument on Via Appia Antica near Ardeatino with a decorated facade and carved inscriptions. The structure sits at the fourth milestone of the ancient road and stands among other Roman funerary monuments in the area.
The monument was built around 30 BCE during the late Republic, reflecting burial practices of wealthy Romans at that time. In the 19th century, Luigi Canina undertook significant restoration work to preserve the structure.
The monument displays sculptures that express the social status of the deceased, with original pieces now shown in the National Museum of the Baths of Diocletian. These artworks reveal how Romans valued craftsmanship and personal representation in their burial practices.
The tomb is easy to locate along Via Appia Antica, as it sits at a clearly marked point on the ancient road. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the historic street can be uneven and the monument stands amid archaeological remains.
The tomb received mention in Émile Zola's 1896 novel 'Roma', linking it to a major literary work of the period. This literary reference connects the monument to both archaeological heritage and cultural history of the era.
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