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The History and Secrets of Pompey’s Pillar in Egypt
When you visit Alexandria, Egypt, Pompey’s Pillar is one of the most important Alexandria attractions you shouldn’t miss. This tall, ancient column tells the story of Egypt’s rich history and its connection to the Romans. But what makes this pillar so interesting? Let’s explore its story together.
Pompey’s Pillar was built about 1,800 years ago during the Roman era. It was made to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who helped save the city from a serious famine. The pillar is very tall about 27 meters (88 feet) and made from one huge piece of red granite. It’s one of the tallest ancient pillars in the world and still impresses visitors today.
One of the often discussed attractions of Alexandria is the famous pillar, which incidentally tends to capture every visitor's attention. Contrary to its name, it is not associated with the Roman general Pompey, as many would like to believe. This misconception has been around since the Middle Ages. The true tale is even more fascinating-the pillar is actually a tribute to an emperor who assisted Alexandria in its hour of need.
Who Built Pompey's Pillar and When?
Pompey's Pillar was constructed in the year 298 AD by the Romans. It was commissioned by Publius, the governor of Egypt, in honor of Emperor Diocletian. Diocletian had assisted Alexandria in times of famine, and this pillar was constructed to commemorate his victory and shield the city.
The column itself is constructed from a single enormous block of red granite, expertly cut and brought all the way from Aswan, hundreds of miles to the south. It was mounted upon a big base and capped with a Corinthian capital a gorgeously ornamented top section to finish this magnificent monument.
Combining Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Sights
It's an excellent way to learn about Alexandria's history to go to Pompey's Pillar. It's walking distance to many other sites of interest so you can accomplish much in a single day. You can drive or walk to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a wonderful underground Roman and Egyptian tomb, and the Roman Amphitheatre, with ancient structures where performances were viewed by humans.
Nearby, the Alexandria National Museum displays the history of the city with cool anecdotes and artifacts. Viewing all these attractions at once gives you a whole experience of Alexandria's history and enables you to view its Egyptian and Roman origins in one trip.
Visiting Pompey's Pillar: Tips and Advice
Planning a visit to Pompey’s Pillar? Here are some helpful tips to make your trip better:
1.Entry: There’s a small fee to enter the site.
2. Best Time to Visit: Try going in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
3. What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat since most of the area is outside.
4. Photography: You may photograph, so don't leave your camera or phone behind!
5. Nearby Attractions: Pair your visit with other local attractions such as the Alexandria National Museum or the Roman Amphitheatre to make a day out of your visit.
A Top Attraction on Your Alexandria Tour
When planning your Alexandria day tour, Pompey’s Pillar should be high on your list. It’s located in the ancient part of the city, close to other important historical sites like the Roman Amphitheatre and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
Pompey's Pillar is where you get to walk among history. You are near witnessing the work of art and imagining the city life around it at that time in the Roman period. The atmosphere around the pillar is peaceful, offering a perfect spot to take pictures or a moment of reflection thinking about the ancient Egypt.
Pompey's Pillar is within easy walking distance of many hotels in Alexandria, and visiting it lets you feel connected to the incredible history of the city. With Happy Egypt, you won’t want to miss this amazing experience!
Pompey's Pillar stands as a timeless symbol of Alexandria's rich history and resilience, honoring an emperor who saved the city and reminding us of the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt.
Pompey's Pillar is a dramatic record of Alexandria's ancient past, built 1,800 years ago to commemorate Emperor Diocletian's role in alleviating a famine in the city. It stands a towering 27 meters tall and cut out of one granite block, one of Egypt's most dramatic Roman-era landmarks and top sights of Alexandria.
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