The Pyramid of Vienne: a unique monument in a circus

The circus of Vienne, located in the city of Vienne (Isère), France, contains the Pyramid of Vienne, a unique monument standing today. Constructed at the end of the 2nd century, it was discovered through excavations in the 19th century. Classified as a historical monument since March 22, 1852, it is the only ancient Egyptianizing monument still standing in France. The pyramid is a stone structure resembling an obelisk, built above a tetrapylon that serves as a pedestal. It is preserved in situ in the middle of the spina, the central wall of the circus.

The total height of the monument is approximately 23 metres, including a base 7.45 metres high and an obelisk 15.50 metres high. The circus was used for chariot races, where horses ran in pairs or groups of four around the track while signals indicated the number of laps. The arena is estimated to be 450 metres long and 118 metres wide. The spina, which is the lowest of all known in the Empire at 0.60 metres, may have been decorated with basins and fountains.

Modifications may have occurred in the 4th century when the city's status changed, potentially allowing the circus to remain in use while the nearby docks and residential areas were abandoned. At that time, the building may have been necessary as the city served as a residence for emperors on occasion.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons