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The Obelisk and Tomb of Antinous
Barbara Gai explores the history of this important monument and the clues that might lead to the location of Antinous’ tomb.
The Obelisk of Antinous, also known as the Pincian Obelisk, was found in the 16th century in Rome near the Porta Maggiore, on the ruins of the Circus Varianus. It had been placed there by the Emperor Elagabalus (AD 218-222) as an ornament for his chariot-racing arena within the palace estate known as the Horti Spei Veteris, on the Esquiline Hill.
The obelisk had originally been commissioned by Hadrian (AD 117-138) after the death of his favourite, Antinous. It was long thought that the obelisk was originally erected at Antinoöpolis in Egypt, but evidence now suggests that Hadrian erected it at his villa near Tivoli, and it may be part of the now missing tomb complex of Antinous. Inscript
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