Pompey’s Pillar | Alexandria

Pompey's Pillar is an ancient Roman monument located in Alexandria, Egypt. Despite its name, it has no direct connection to the Roman general Pompey, and the origin of the pillar remains a subject of some historical debate. Nevertheless, it is one of the most prominent landmarks of ancient Alexandria and stands as a testament to the city's historical significance in the ancient world.

Historical Context

Pompey's Pillar was erected in 297 CE during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a time when Alexandria was a key center of learning and culture in the Roman Empire.

The monument was originally constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who played an important role in the defense of Alexandria during a period of political and military turmoil. In particular, Diocletian successfully repelled a siege of the city by the Palmyrene Empire in 297 CE, and the pillar was likely built to commemorate this victory and his role in protecting the city.

The monument’s association with Pompey comes from a much later misconception. In the 5th century CE, a popular but inaccurate story suggested that the pillar was originally built to commemorate Pompey the Great, a Roman general and statesman. This was likely due to the presence of Pompey's head in a sarcophagus found near the pillar, which led to the confusion.

Architectural Features

Pompey's Pillar is an impressive structure standing about 25 meters (82 feet) tall, making it the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria. It is made of a single granite column, with a Corinthian-style capital at the top, which is characteristic of Roman architecture.

The pillar itself is made from a single block of red granite, which was transported from the quarries of Aswan, located in southern Egypt. The sheer size of the granite block and the logistical effort required to transport it over such a long distance speak to the scale of the project and the technical expertise of Roman engineers at the time.

The pillar is set on a granite base, which is inscribed with various carvings. These inscriptions may have originally included dedicatory texts, but most of the inscriptions have been worn away over the centuries.

Inscribed Base

The base of the pillar includes several Greek inscriptions. Some of the inscriptions on the base refer to Diocletian’s reign and his role in the defense of Alexandria. The original text likely commemorated his military achievements and the city's victory.

The Greek inscriptions were common in Alexandria, as Greek was widely spoken and used in the city, even under Roman rule. These inscriptions offer valuable insights into the political and social climate of the time.

Myths and Misconceptions

One of the most enduring myths about Pompey's Pillar is that it marks the location of Pompey the Great's tomb. This legend likely arose because of the sarcophagus that was found near the pillar, which was thought to contain Pompey’s remains. However, the sarcophagus is actually believed to have belonged to a later individual, possibly a wealthy Roman or local dignitary. There is no historical evidence to support the claim that Pompey’s remains are buried at the site.

Despite the myth, the pillar’s primary purpose was to honor Emperor Diocletian, not Pompey. The confusion likely arose due to the association of the monument with the legendary figure and the discovery of the sarcophagus, which fueled the story.

Significance and Modern-Day Importance

Today, Pompey's Pillar is one of the most recognized ancient monuments in Alexandria, drawing tourists and historians alike. The site offers a glimpse into Alexandria’s rich Roman history and its role as an important city in the Mediterranean world.

The pillar’s towering presence serves as a reminder of Alexandria’s importance as a cultural and political hub in antiquity. At the time of its construction, Alexandria was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, known for its library, its role in the Mediterranean trade, and its intellectual influence.

The Pompey's Pillar is part of the Pompey's Pillar Complex, which includes several other historical ruins and structures, including the Serapeum, an ancient temple dedicated to the god Serapis. The Serapeum once housed one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, second only to the Library of Alexandria. Today, some remains of the Serapeum can still be seen at the site, alongside Pompey's Pillar.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Pompey's Pillar can explore the surrounding area, where the pillar stands amidst the ruins of the ancient Serapeum. The Serapeum itself was one of the most important religious sites in Alexandria, dedicated to the worship of the god Serapis, and it housed one of the most famous collections of ancient manuscripts.

The site offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The monument's location at the top of a hill ensures that visitors can see across a wide stretch of Alexandria, including the modern city and the harbor area.

Conclusion

Pompey's Pillar is a fascinating monument, rich in history and architectural grandeur. Although its connection to Pompey the Great is largely a myth, the pillar’s association with Emperor Diocletian highlights the political significance of Alexandria during the Roman Empire. The monument’s imposing presence and historical context make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring Alexandria's ancient past and the legacy of Roman architecture and engineering. It stands as a proud reminder of the city’s role as a vibrant and strategic hub in the ancient world.