Mausoleum of Lucilius Paetus, Roman mausoleum on Via Salaria, Rome, Italy
The Mausoleum of Lucilius Paetus is a round burial chamber on the Via Salaria in Rome built with heavy travertine marble walls surrounding a concrete core. The interior holds three niches designed to accommodate the remains of different family members.
The structure dates to the first century as a burial place for a military tribune and his family. Archaeologists uncovered it in 1887 at a former site and were able to study how wealthy Romans of this era arranged their tombs.
The name recalls Lucilius Paetus, a military tribune whose family chose this location as their burial place. The interior spaces show how wealthy Romans planned and decorated their family tombs during their lifetime.
The site sits along an important Roman road and is reachable on foot, though access conditions should be checked in advance. Some sections are partially excavated while others remain partially buried, so visitors should watch their step carefully.
A marble inscription names both Lucilius Paetus and his sister Lucilia Polla, showing that female family members held equal standing in burial arrangements. This carved dedication is one of the few direct records of how women figured in Roman family life.
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