Pompey’s Pillar is one of the remains of Roman antiquities that still exist today in the city of Alexandria in Egypt, and is one of the oldest and highest memorial columns in the world. In this article, we will know everything about this antique.
What is Pompey’s Pillar?
Pompey’s Pillar is one of the most prominent tourist sites in the city of Alexandria, which consists of a large granite column dating from the Roman period. This column is part of the ruins of a huge Roman complex that was located in Alexandria hundreds of years ago.
It was built on the Bab Sidra hill, between the current Islamic cemetery area known as the Amoud tombs and the ancient Kom el-Shoqafa plateau. It is about 27 meters long and is made of red granite
Geographical Location
The Pillar of Pompey is located in the western section of the city of Alexandria, near other archaeological sites such as the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
Almost all travel packages that incorporate a visit to Alexandria, include the excursion to the Pillar of Pompey and the Roman Amphitheatre.
The Pillar of Pompey, in Arabic: Amoud El Sawary, can be visited by taxi and other local transport. However, it is always advisable for tourists to book their tours to Egypt with official travel agencies, to enjoy a wonderful travel experience in Egypt.
History
Pompey’s Pillar is one of the few ruins of the ancient Roman complex known as Serapeum. This temple was created for the worship of the god Serapis and was built during the rule of Ptolemy I at the end of the third century BC.
One of the most distinguished characteristics of the god Serapis is that it was created from a mixture of different Egyptian gods such as Osiris and Apes, the sacred bull, along with Greek gods such as Zeus and Dionysus.
In the time of the Ptolemies, the western section of the city of Alexandria was called Rhakotis and used as the necropolis of the sacred bulls of the god Apis, as they were considered to be reincarnations of the god.
In a hidden room discovered in the ruins of the Serapeum, a statue of the god Apis was found, which is currently on display in the Greco-Roman Museum. This discovery proves that the cult of the god Apis already existed since the Ancient Kingdom.
The original temple of the Serapeum was replaced by a more recent construction during the reign of Ptolemy III, at the beginning of the 2nd century BC.
An interesting fact about the Pilar is that the relationship with Pompey, the Roman politician and military leader who lived in the first century BC to whom it owes its name, could not be proved.
Some theories claim that Pompey escaped from Rome, fearing Julius Caesar, and once in Egypt, he was killed by Egyptians and his head was put in a jar and placed on the tip of the pillar. However, all these theories lack evidence to confirm them.
Most historians agree that this monument was built in 298 AD, in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This can be proved by the note on the western side of the base of the pillar.
Description of Pompey’s Pillar
The historical site of Pompey’s Pillar consists of a large garden on a hill with great archaeological wealth. The most outstanding monument is the pillar itself.
It was made of a piece of red granite and is 20.75 meters high and 2.70 meters wide at its base. The total height of the Pillar, including the base and the crown, is 27 meters.
On each side of the pillar, there are two magnificent sphinx statues, made of red granite. Experts claim that they were built during the reign of Ptolemy VI Philopator, who ruled Egypt from 186 to 145 BC. The two statues were discovered in 1906, and are a magnificent addition to the pillar.
Pompey’s Pillar, along with other historical sites such as the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Library of Alexandria, is the must-see sights of the city of Alexandria.
Who built Pompey’s pillar?
Romanians built Pompey’s Pillar commemoration of Emperor Diocletian in the third century AD, It is the last remaining relic of the Serapeum temple erected by Postumus.
Why is it called Pompey’s Pillar?
In the Middle Ages, the Crusaders believed that the ashes or remains of the great Roman general Pompey were in a pot at the top of the column. This is how it got the nickname “Pompey’s Pillar.”
Do you need to book before visiting Pompey’s Pillar?
You don’t have to book a ticket before visiting Pompey Pillar, you can just buy the ticket before the entrance, or if you are coming in a program with a travel company they can handle it.
Know more about our packaging to Alexandria: https://egypttimetravel.com/tour/6-days-cairo-alexandria-tour/
Pompey’s Pillar Egypt entrance fee
entrance fee to Pompey’s Pillar is just 80 pounds per person.
what are the opening days?
Pompey’s Pillar is almost open all week From 8 AM to 5 PM, But the best time to visit is from 10 AM to 1 Pm, to enjoy this antique masterpiece and take unforgettable photos.
