Pompey's Pillar
Ancient Roman triumphal column / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Pompey's Pillar (disambiguation).
Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: عمود السواري, romanized: 'Amud El-Sawari) is the name given to a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt. Set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298–302 AD, the giant Corinthian column originally supported a colossal porphyry statue of the emperor in armour.[1] It stands at the eastern side of the temenos of the Serapeum of Alexandria, beside the ruins of the temple of Serapis itself.
Quick Facts Location, Coordinates ...
Location | Alexandria, Egypt |
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Coordinates | 31°10′57″N 29°53′47.1″E |
Type | Roman triumphal column |
Diameter | c. 2.7-2.8 m (column shaft) |
Height | c. 33.85 m (total original with 7 m statue) 26.85 m (present total) |
History | |
Builder | Publius praefectus aegypti on behalf of emperor Diocletian |
Material | granite, lost statue in porphyry |
Founded | AD 298-303; 1721 years ago (303) (dedicated) |
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It is the only ancient monument still standing in Alexandria in its original location today.[2]