To the southwest of the city, in the district of Karmous, the Pompey & Pillar stands as a striking sight against the Egyptian sky. Crafted with precision from red Aswan granite, this 27-m (89-ft) high Pompey & Pillar was erected around AD 297 in tribute to the Roman emperor Diocletian. On the base of the Pompey & Pillar, an inscription written in Greek declares: “To the most just of emperors, the divine protector of Alexandria, Diocletian the invincible: Posthumus, prefect of Egypt.” The popular name associated with Pompey & Pillar may have originated from medieval travelers who mistakenly thought that the Roman general Pompey, murdered in Egypt in 48 BC, was buried at this site. In reality, the Pompey & Pillar came from the illustrious Serapeum complex or Temple of Serapis.

The Divine Origins of Pompey & Pillar and the Serapeum

The Pompey & Pillar was originally part of the Temple of Serapis, which was constructed in the mid-3rd century BC. Serapis was a significant Egyptian deity, exceptionally popular in the Graeco-Roman period, who combined aspects of the gods Osiris and Apis. Today, the Pompey & Pillar remains freestanding and serves as the sole remnant of the temple which was once an important repository of religious texts. This site acted as the “daughter library” to the Great Library of Alexandria, marking the Pompey & Pillar location as a center of ancient wisdom. Travelers exploring Egypt tour packages often find that the Pompey & Pillar provides a profound connection to this intellectual era.

Historical Grandeur and the Legacy of Pompey & Pillar

The temple surrounding the Pompey & Pillar was significantly enlarged by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. At that time, the complex at Pompey & Pillar was described as being second only to the Capitol in Rome in terms of its magnificence. However, the temple was tragically destroyed by Christians in AD 391, leaving only the majestic Pompey & Pillar to guard the ruins. This site remains an essential stop for those enjoying Cairo Tours who wish to venture north to see the Roman influence on Alexandria’s landscape. The endurance of the Pompey & Pillar through these centuries of religious and political transition is a testament to its architectural strength.

Sacred Mysteries Surrounding the Pompey & Pillar Site

The area surrounding the Pompey & Pillar is rich with archaeological treasures that delve deep into Egyptian spirituality. Nearby the Pompey & Pillar, there are some underground galleries where the sacred Apis bulls were buried, reflecting the deep-seated traditions of the era. Furthermore, visitors to the Pompey & Pillar can observe several statues of the Sphinx that originally stood at Heliopolis, now flanking the monumental column. Whether you are concluding a luxury Nile Cruise or starting a Mediterranean journey, the Pompey & Pillar offers a unique window into the past. Book your Travel Package now to know more about Egypt history and the secrets held by the Pompey & Pillar.

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