Pompey’s Pillar

Pompey’s Pillar is one of the few remaining remnants of Roman antiquity that can still be seen in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, and it is also one of the world’s oldest and tallest memorial columns, standing at a height of more than 100 meters. We shall learn everything there is to know about this antique in this essay.

What is Pompey’s Pillar, and why is it important?

Pompey’s Pillar, which is a massive granite column that dates back to the Roman era and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alexandria, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This column is part of the remnants of a massive Roman complex that was once situated in Alexandria hundreds of years ago, according to archaeological evidence.

On the Bab Sidra hill, between the contemporary Islamic cemetery area known as the Amoud tombs and the ancient Kom El-Shoqafa plateau, it was constructed in around 900 A.D. It is about 27 meters in length and is constructed of red granite.

Geographical Location is defined as follows:

A little distance away from the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Pillar of Pompey may be found in the western area of the city of Alexandria, close to other ancient monuments.

Travel packages that include a stop in Alexandria almost often include excursions to the Pillar of Pompey and the Roman Amphitheatre, which are both worth seeing on their own.

The Pillar of Pompey, also known as Amoud El Sawary in Arabic, may be reached by taxi or other modes of public transportation. However, it is always recommended that travelers book their excursions to Egypt via approved travel firms to have a good vacation experience in Egypt and avoid disappointment.

History

Pompey’s Pillar is one of the few remaining remnants of the ancient Roman complex known as Serapeum, which dates back to the first century AD. This temple, which was constructed during the reign of Ptolemy I towards the end of the third century BC for the worship of the deity Serapis, was dedicated to the god Serapis.

One of the most distinguishing aspects of the deity Serapis is that he was constructed from a fusion of several Egyptian gods, such as Osiris and Apes, the sacred bull, as well as Greek gods, such as Zeus and Dionysus, to form one entity.

During the reign of the Ptolemies, the western sector of the city of Alexandria was known as Rhakotis, and it was used as a necropolis for the holy bulls of the deity Apis, who were believed to be reincarnations of the god himself.

When archaeologists were exploring the remains of the Serapeum, they uncovered a secret chamber where they unearthed a statue of the deity Apis, which is now on exhibit at the Greco-Roman Museum. This finding demonstrates that the religion of the deity Apis has been around since the time of the Ancient Kingdom.

During the reign of Ptolemy III, around the beginning of the 2nd century BC, the old temple of the Serapeum was demolished and rebuilt with a more modern structure known as the Serapeum.

A fascinating aspect about the Pilar is that the existence of a tie between it and Pompey, the Roman politician and military commander who lived in the first century BC and to whom it owes its name, could not be established.

Several stories contend that Pompey fled from Rome because he was afraid of Julius Caesar. He eventually made his way to Egypt, where he was slain by Egyptians and his head was placed in a jar and set on the pinnacle of a pillar. All of these notions, on the other hand, are devoid of supporting data.

The majority of historians believe that this monument was erected in 298 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and that it was dedicated to him. The note on the western side of the base of the pillar serves as evidence of this.

Pompey’s Pillar is described in detail.

Pompey’s Pillar is a historical landmark that consists of a vast garden on a hill that has a considerable deal of archaeological treasure. The pillar itself is the most notable piece of architecture.

It is 20.75 meters high and 2.70 meters broad at its base, and it was constructed from a single block of red granite. Including the base and crown, the Pillar rises to a total height of about 27 meters.

On each side of the pillar are two stunning sphinx sculptures made of red granite, one on either side of the pillar. Experts believe that they were constructed during the era of Ptolemy VI Philopator, who reigned Egypt from 186 to 145 BC, according to archaeological evidence. Originally unearthed in 1906, the two figures are a stunning complement to the pillar’s decoration.

A must-see attraction in Alexandria, Pompey’s Pillar is one of the city’s most important historical attractions, along with other notable landmarks such as the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Alexandria Library.

Who was responsible for the construction of Pompey’s pillar?

The Romanians constructed Pompey’s Pillar in remembrance of Emperor Diocletian in the third century AD. It is the sole existing remnant of the Serapeum temple, which was built by Postumus in the first century AD.

What is the significance of the name Pompey’s Pillar?

For most of the Middle Ages, it was thought by the Crusaders that the ashes or bones of the renowned Roman commander Pompey were kept in a jar at the summit of the column. It was because of this that it was given the moniker “Pompey’s Pillar.”

Is it necessary to make a reservation before visiting Pompey’s Pillar?

You do not need to reserve a ticket before visiting Pompey Pillar; instead, you may purchase a ticket at the entry or, if you are participating in a tour with a travel company, they can handle the booking for you.

Entrance charge to Pompey’s Pillar in Egypt

Pompey’s Pillar is just 80 pounds per person to enter, which is a significant saving.

When are the doors going to be open?

Pompey’s Pillar is open practically every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the ideal time to come in between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., when you may take in the beauty of this ancient masterpiece and capture spectacular photographs.