The Tomb of Numerius Istacidius Helenus is a tomb that would have been inaccessible for visitors along the Via dei Sepolcri. Unlike the Tomb of Tyche, which alludes to generational or multiple uses, this tomb appears to have been used for the purpose of the deceased, but the size and quality of the structure indicate that the individuals were decently well off when they were alive.
Approaching the tomb, visitors had the opportunity to sit on a bench along the outer wall facing the street. Central was a dedicatory inscription, which read as follows:
N(umerio) Istacidio Heleno
pag(ano) pag(i) Aug(usti)
N(umerio) Istacidio Ianuario
Mesoniae Satullae in agro
pedes XV in fronte (p)edes XV
[CIL X 1027]
“For Numerius Istacidius Helenus, Paganus of the Augustan pagus, [and] for Numerius Istacidius Ianuarius, [and] for Mesonia Satulla, 15 feet in the ground, 15 feet in front (across).” [Translation by author.]
Inside the tomb were several cippi, a Roman pedestal tombstone. To see more of these stones, see The Finds!
