Pompey’s Pillar is the biggest memorial column of red granite in Egypt. It is a 30m Roman triumphal column in a rocky hilltop in the middle of Alexandria. It is about 28 m high and has been one of the city’s prime sights. This column was chosen by the Roman ruler of Egypt to be a gratitude sign of the Roman emperor Diocletian between ( 284 and 305A.D) and has nothing to do with the Roman Consul and General Gaius Pompey, who was killed by Cleopatra’s brother
Pompey's Pillar
The History of Pompey’s Pillar
In the first centuries A.D, Christianity was the main religion in Egypt and that’s why the pagan gods were neglected. The Serapeum was dedicated to Alexandria’s patron god, Serapis. It conflicted a lot with the Christian thoughts and in 391 A.D, the leader of the church in Alexandria, patriarch Theophilus, ordered to destroy the serapeum and all the remaining symbols of paganism.
Pompey’s Pillar today marks what was once a huge temple, which was constructed with precious metal on the interior. There are some remaining tunnels around the complex open for tourists to discover. The site includes trenches and holes, with a couple of narrow shafts from the Serapeum to explore below. There are a few sphinxes (Originally from Heliopolis) and a surviving Nilometer (a structure used to measure the level of the Nile in ancient times.
The Construction of Pompey’s Pillar
The weight of the single red granite stone is about 285 tonnes. Pompey’s Pillar measures 20.46 m in height with a diameter of 2.71 m at its base. There are the remains of a Serapium on the backside of the pillar that is really damaged. This construction was built during the reigns of Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III. It was actually damaged because of the revolts of the Jewish population in Alexandria. It was rebuilt during the reign of Hadrian but was destroyed once more after the spread of Christianity. There was a basin at the side of the platform that was used for the purification process. There are also 2 galleries at the back of the temple.
The first gallery contained a black statue of basalt from the reign of Hadrian. This statue represents the god Serapis in the shape of a bull. It was taken to the Museum in Alexandria. The second gallery is known as “The Daughter Library” but it was actually an Anubidiun (the burial for the mummies of Anubis), who was a member of the Pantheon of Alexandria.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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