Location | Alexandria, Egypt |
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Coordinates | 31°10′57″N 29°53′47.1″E / 31.18250°N 29.896417°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 | (dedicated)
Pompey's Pillar (Arabic: عمود السواري, romanized: 'Amud El-Sawari) is a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, Egypt. Despite its modern name, it was actually 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, which is now in ruins.
It is the only ancient monument in Alexandria that is still standing in its original location.[2]
This is the sole ancient monument still standing above water in that city today