Pompey's Pillar
Al Iskandariyah
Pompey's Pillar, locally known as 'Amud El-Sawari, is a monumental Roman triumphal column located in Alexandria, Egypt. Despite its modern name, the pillar was erected between 298 and 302 AD in honor of Emperor Diocletian, commemorating his victory and role as the city’s protector. The column originally supported a colossal 7-meter tall porphyry statue of Diocletian in armor. It stands at approximately 26.85 meters high, including its base and capital, and is notable as the only ancient monument in Alexandria still standing in its original position. The pillar is a single monolithic shaft carved from pink granite quarried near Aswan, making it one of the largest monolithic columns ever erected in Roman Egypt. It was part of the Serapeum sanctuary complex dedicated to the god Serapis, a major religious site rebuilt under Roman rule. The column’s inscription reveals it was dedicated by the Roman prefect Publius, and the mistaken association with Pompey derives from a misreading of the Greek inscription. Today, Pompey's Pillar remains a remarkable testament to Roman imperial power and architectural skill in Egypt, attracting visitors who marvel at its scale and historical significance.
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Tip: The best time to visit Pompey's Pillar is during the cooler months of the year to avoid the intense Egyptian heat. Visitors are advised to buy tickets in advance if possible to avoid long queues. Modest discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the site involves outdoor exploration. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing detailed historical context. Early morning visits offer better lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
Interesting facts
- •Pompey's Pillar is the only ancient monument in Alexandria still standing in its original location.
- •It is one of the largest monolithic columns ever erected, made from a single piece of pink granite weighing approximately 285 tonnes.
- •The original statue atop the column was a 7-meter tall porphyry statue of Emperor Diocletian in armor, now lost.
- •The pillar was dedicated by the Roman prefect Publius, whose name was misread as Pompey, leading to the modern name.
- •The Serapeum sanctuary complex, where the pillar stands, was considered a marvel rivaling Rome’s Capitolium in the 4th century AD.
History
Pompey's Pillar was constructed between 298 and 302 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian following his successful campaign in Egypt to suppress a revolt.
It was erected in the Serapeum of Alexandria, a sanctuary dedicated to the god Serapis originally built in the 3rd century BC and later rebuilt under Roman rule.
The column was dedicated by the Roman prefect Publius, whose name appears on the inscription.
Over time, the pillar became mistakenly associated with the Republican general Pompey due to a misreading of the Greek inscription.
Despite the Serapeum now being in ruins, the pillar remains the only ancient monument in Alexandria still standing in its original location, symbolizing the city's enduring Roman heritage.
Place Guide
The Column Shaft298-302 AD
A single monolithic shaft of pink granite standing 20.46 meters tall with a diameter of 2.71 meters at the base, carved from stone quarried near Aswan. It is one of the largest monolithic columns in the world.
The Base and Capital298-302 AD
The base (socle) is over 6 meters tall, made of pink granite, while the capital is of pseudo-Corinthian style crafted from grey granite. The base bears the Greek inscription dedicating the monument to Diocletian.
Site of the Serapeum of Alexandria3rd century BC (original), rebuilt late 2nd to early 3rd century AD
The pillar stands at the eastern side of the Serapeum, a sanctuary dedicated to the god Serapis, originally built in the 3rd century BC and rebuilt under Roman rule. Though the Serapeum is now in ruins, the pillar marks its historical location.
Contact
Phone: 012 29437357
