Vault pedestal

The Vault pedestal was the central point of a First Civilization Vault. It operated the chamber it was placed in and could interact with a Piece of Eden or a human being with proper DNA.

Santa Maria Aracoeli
One of these pedestals is found in the Santa Maria Aracoeli. It can be interacted with only after completing a Free-running challenge through the church, lifting the device from the ground. It is used to activated an elevator that will take the pedestal's activator to the entrance of the the Colosseum Vault, which is opened by a hidden Password. Desmond finds this pedestal and activates it with his DNA in 2012.

Colosseum Vault
Another pedestal is found inside the Colosseum Vault. When activated, it will cause the vault to change from a almost empty chamber to be filled with glowing platforms. After completing the room's challenge, the visitor will be able to reach the central platform. It is also acted as a way for Juno to take possession of Desmond Miles's body in 2012, once his DNA communed with the Apple, placed on top the pedestal.

Pythagorean Vault
Another is found in the Pythagorean Vault, which were visited by Ezio Auditore da Firenze within a short period of time. When placing his hand on the rear of the pedestal his DNA also communed with it; filling the chamber with codes, number, letters, and giving him knowledge of the distant future.