Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria In Egypt: Overview,Prominent Features,History,Interesting facts


Overview:

Pompey's Pillar is a large Roman column that stands nearly 30 meters tall in the city of Alexandria in Egypt. It was built to honor Emperor Diocletian for his victory in the Battle of Alexandria over the rebellious Domitius Alexaner in the late 3rd century AD. The pillar is the only ancient monument surviving from the Pharaonic era in the city. It is also an important tourist attraction in the modern-day city. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

, Pompey’s Pillar is the most prominent feature in the city of Alexandria. It is a round granite column situated on the east bank of the Nile. The pillar was erected in honor of Roman emperor Diocletian, in whose honor a temple had once stood nearby. The pillar is the only remaining piece of that temple and is thought to have been built in 297 AD. It stands at about 30m (100ft) tall and 5.5m (18ft) in diameter. Its base features a number of hieroglyphs, and its top has a large Corinthian capital which is decorated with a frieze of marine creatures and other creatures in relief. The pillar is an important part of the city's history and heritage and is considered a symbol of the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria, Egypt is one of the most iconic monuments in the city. The pillar was originally constructed in AD 297, under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian. It was erected as part of the Temple of Serapis and was dedicated to Emperor Diocletian for his victory over the rebellious Berber tribes. Originally called the Column of Diocletian, the pillar is the only remaining visible part of Diocletian's great temple complex. It is 29.8 meters tall, and the diameter of the pillar is 2.7 meters. The shaft of the pillar is made of red granite brought from Aswan, which would have taken 100,000 camels to transport. The base has five steps. The pillar became known as Pompey's Pillar after the Roman general Pompey the Great visited Alexandria and touched the pillar in roughly 48 BC. According to some accounts, Pompey may also have added some of his own inscriptions to the pillar, but those have since been lost. The pillar has a complex history, and has been damaged and repaired multiple times throughout the centuries. During the 4th and 5th centuries, it became a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians, and the upper part of the pillar was even repurposed as a baptistery. In the medieval era, the pillar underwent further damage, with its base replaced entirely at some point. In the 18th century, a mosque was built alongside the pillar, and a mihrab was cut into its northern face. Today, the pillar is a symbol of Alexandria and is a popular tourist destination. It stands as a testament to the long and vibrant history of the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pillar is the only monument left standing that was built to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian. 2. It is the tallest Roman monument outside Italy and is one of the few Roman monuments to have survived intact. 3. The Pillar is made from red Aswan granite and stands over 26 meters high. 4. It was originally erected as the Mausoleum of Diocletian near the ancient city of Alexandria in the 3rd century AD. 5. In 298 or 299 AD, an earthquake destroyed the mausoleum and the pillar was then re-erected at its current location in the 4th century AD. 6. The Pillar is believed to have been named in honor of the Roman General Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey). 7. The Pillar was used as a survey point in the 17th century and its height was used to calculate the elevation of Alexandria. 8. The Pillar has become a symbol of Egypt's long history and inheritance from the ancient Greeks and Romans. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era

Explore Egypt most popular tourist destination with us. Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria In Egypt: Overview,Prominent Features,History,Interesting facts,which is 35.14 km away from Egypt main town, is the most popular destination to add in your travel wishlist.

  1. City:

    Egypt

  2. state:

    Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: العمود البومبي)

  3. country:

    EG

  4. country code:

    Egypt

  5. postcode:

    22331

Location:

Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: العمود البومبي) EG

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