description Pompey's Pillar Overview
Pompey's Pillar is a 25-meter Roman column located in Alexandria, Egypt, standing on a rocky hill between the ancient temples of Serapis and Isis. Despite its name, it was actually erected around 297 AD in honor of Roman Emperor Diocletian, not Pompey, with the naming error dating to medieval European travelers. The column is carved from a single piece of red Aswan granite and is part of the ancient Serapeum temple complex.
help Pompey's Pillar FAQ
Why is Pompey's Pillar named after Pompey?
The name is based on a historical mistake linking the column to the Roman general Pompey. The monument was actually erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian.
When was Pompey's Pillar erected?
The column was erected around 297 AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Some historical accounts place its dedication close to 298 AD.
Where is Pompey's Pillar located?
Pompey's Pillar stands in Alexandria, Egypt, on a rocky hill associated with the ancient Serapeum. The site lies between the former temples of Serapis and Isis.
What type of monument is Pompey's Pillar?
Pompey's Pillar is a Roman triumphal column made from a single large granite shaft. It is not an Egyptian obelisk, despite the site's connection with ancient Egyptian religious architecture.
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