Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Pyramis

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

PY'RAMIS (πυραμίς). A pyramid, a structure upon a square base, tapering gradually to a point at the top. The particular form, as well as the name, originated without doubt with the Egyptians; but for what precise object is still undetermined. It was, however, adopted by the Etruscans (Plin. H. N. xxxvi. 19. § 4.) and the Romans, as an appropriate design for sepulchral monuments; all those which are mentioned by their writers having been constructed for that purpose, as well as the one now remaining at Rome, which is known as the pyramid of C. Cestius; and the one here introduced from an engraved gem (Pyramis/1.1), which is identified as a tomb by the accompanying figure of a gladiator, a class of whom, termed bustuarii, were engaged to fight round the burning pyre of distinguished persons.

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  Pyramis/1.1