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  • Egypt Aswan Governorate Aswan

    Aswan Governerate in Egypt

    Aswan was known as ‘Sonu’ in ancient Egyptian times, meaning market, as it was a trading centre for caravans coming to and from Nubia. In the Ptolemaic era, it was called ‘Sin’ and the Nubians called it ‘Yaba Swan’. It was also known as the Land of Gold because it served as a great treasure or tomb for the kings of Nubia who lived there for thousands of years. Before the migration, Aswan's borders extended from Asna in the east to the border of Sudan in the south, and its inhabitants were Nubians, but after the Islamic conquest of Nubia, some Arab tribes settled there.

  • Things to Do in Luxor

    About Luxor Governorate in Egypt

    The South Upper Egyptian area is home to the Egyptian governorate of Luxor. Its capital is Luxor, which was formerly Thebes, the capital of Egypt throughout multiple pharaonic eras. Its centers and cities are spread over both sides of the Nile River. The said governorate was established by Presidential Decree No. 378 of 2009, which was promulgated on the 9th of December of that year.

  • kafr El Sheikh Governorate | kafr El Sheikh Governorate History

    History of kafr El Sheikh Governorate

    Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, located in the far north of Egypt in the Nile Delta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by the diversity of natural life and environments, and is one of the Egyptian cities that can be visited after the end of the first semester exams at universities and schools, as it features many diverse tourist and recreational places at symbolic prices within everyone's reach.

  • Egypt's New Administrative Capital City

    Egypt's New Administrative Capital

    The New Administrative Capital is considered the project of the era because it reflects a perfect image of the future and progress on the economic, cultural, social and civilisational level, as the capital is considered the new capital of Egypt at the present time. The importance of the New Capital is that it is a comprehensive transformation of the future of buildings, services and national and mega projects in Egypt.

  • Historical Importance of Al Gharbia

    Al Gharbia Governorate

    The Governorate of Gharbia is inclusive in the geographical area of The Arab Republic of Egypt which is in the African continent, more specifically in the region surrounding the Nile delta, between Damietta and Rashid governance. To the control of the region from the north is Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, from the south Menoufia Governorate, from the east – Dakahlia, Qalyubia Governorates, and to the west is the Beheira Governorate.

  • Marsa Alam City

    Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam

    Each reserve has several sectors. In Wadi El Gemal Reserve, there is one of the natural areas called the Hamata area or Hamata sector in Wadi El Gemal Reserve. Its sectors are the perfect and most ecological, land and water, and host countless animals and plants found in the oceans and on the land.

Columna de Pompeyo

Information about Pompey's Pillar

  • 05 16, 2023

The Pompey Pillar, an ancient Roman triumphal column located in Alexandria, Egypt, is a monumental testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture. Erected in 297 AD by the Roman governor, Gaius Pompeius Falco, the column was dedicated to the Emperor Diocletian. It stands approximately 25 meters (82 feet) tall and is constructed from red granite, featuring intricate carvings and a Corinthian capital.

Historical Context

Despite its name, the Pompey Pillar has no direct connection to the Roman general Pompey the Great. The misnomer originated from medieval times when local legends erroneously attributed the monument to Pompey. The true historical context is tied to Diocletian's efforts to restore stability to the Roman Empire after a period of crisis and turmoil.

Architecture

The column is notable for its impressive height and the quality of its construction. It is topped by a beautifully carved capital adorned with acanthus leaves, typical of Corinthian design. The base of the column is square, with inscriptions in Greek that commemorate Diocletian's rule and his actions to benefit Alexandria.

Significance and Legacy

The Pompey Pillar is an important symbol of Roman authority and architectural prowess in Alexandria, which was a major cultural and economic hub of the ancient world. It stands as one of the few remaining examples of Roman monumental architecture in Egypt. Its preservation and prominence offer valuable insights into Roman engineering techniques and urban planning.

Modern-Day Status

Today, the Pompey Pillar is a key archaeological and tourist site. It remains a striking reminder of Alexandria's rich historical tapestry and the enduring influence of Roman civilization in the region. The column is part of the larger archaeological complex that includes other significant ruins, such as the Serapeum of Alexandria.

In summary, the Pompey Pillar is a remarkable relic of Roman architectural achievement and a significant historical landmark that continues to capture the imagination of visitors and scholars alike.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

Go up the stairs of the Pillar boardwalk to see old and very old writings on the rock. Go even higher to see all around you from the top of a really tall tower!

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