Monument dit Le Tombeau romain

English translation

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History

The tomb would date from the 3rd century and is said to have been erected in memory of Lucius Pomponius Bassulus and Lucius Pomponius Balbinus by their parents. The family was likely of Syrian origin, and was introduced to the court of Rome by the emperor Septimius Severus. Excavations were conducted on the site in the 19th century. It is a monument of square plan, flanked on the north, east and south by three niches. The western wall is pierced by a door surmounted by a lintel on which is engraved a Latin inscription. Above the door and lintel is found a semi-circular opening whose arch, girt with an archivolt, is decorated with winged genii, nude cupids, half-reclining, supporting the wings of the inscription cartouche, connected by scrolls, from the volutes of which issue vine leaves and bunches of grapes. The springings of the arch are adorned with sculptures. The four corners of the square are decorated with pilasters of Corinthian order.