Pompey's Pillar, Roman victory column in Alexandria, Egypt
Pompey's Pillar is a Roman victory column made of red granite that stands on the site of the ancient Serapeum temple in Alexandria. The single stone shaft rises prominently against the sky, surrounded by ancient stone platforms and traces of what once stood here.
The column was raised between 298 and 302 CE under Emperor Diocletian to commemorate his victory against an Egyptian uprising. It has survived more than 1700 years and stands today as the final remnant of what was once a thriving temple complex.
The column preserves the memory of the Serapeum temple, a sacred place that once drew thousands of visitors seeking blessings. You can see how the site still holds this spiritual weight in the way locals and visitors move through the space with reverence.
The site is easy to reach and sits near other archaeological attractions like the Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs in western Alexandria. Morning visits are better for clear light and fewer crowds during the warmer months.
The column consists of a single granite block weighing over 285 tons and ranks as the largest Roman column built outside Rome and Constantinople. This massive stone was transported hundreds of kilometers to Alexandria, showcasing the remarkable engineering feat of Roman builders.
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