Serapeum and Pompey's Pillar

The Serapeum of Saqqara is an ancient Egyptian temple complex dedicated to the god Serapis, a deity that combined elements of both Egyptian and Greek religious practices. Located near the Step Pyramid of Djoser in the Saqqara necropolis, this temple is most famous for its underground galleries that house the colossal stone sarcophagi of sacred bulls. These bulls, known as Apis bulls, were considered living incarnations of the god Ptah and were buried with great honor after their deaths. The Serapeum was constructed during the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty in the 3rd century BCE and served as a major religious center. It is renowned for its monumental architecture and the astonishing size of the granite coffins, some of which weigh over 60 tons. The Serapeum remains one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of ancient Egypt, offering a unique glimpse into the religious syncretism of the time.

Pompey's Pillar is a colossal granite column located in the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria, erected in honor of the Roman emperor Diocletian in 297 CE. Despite its name, it is not actually related to Pompey the Great but rather commemorates Diocletian’s victory over the rebellious Alexandrians, who had resisted Roman rule. Standing at 25.5 meters (84 feet) tall, the pillar was once part of a larger complex that included a temple dedicated to the god Serapis. The Pillars of Alexandria, as they were collectively known, were prominent landmarks in the city’s skyline. The column was originally crowned with a statue of the emperor, but it was lost over time, leaving only the impressive shaft to stand. Pompey’s Pillar is the tallest ancient Roman monument in Egypt and offers a dramatic view of Alexandria, symbolizing the Roman influence in the region during the later periods of Egyptian history.