Serapeum of Alexandria

Ptolemy III Euergetes founded the ancient Greek temple known as the Serapeum of Alexandria during his reign. The temple was devoted to Serapis, who was named Alexandria's divine protector. All that is left above ground is the massive Roman column named Pompey's Pillar. A few tunnels are still standing and accessible to visitors, and some of the temple's antiquities are displayed in The Greco-Roman Museum.

The location is on a rocky plateau with views of both the land and the ocean. The historic pillar is the only remaining original ancient Alexandria structure constructed with red Aswan granite. Steps descend beneath the column to the ruins of the enormous Serapis temple. Its architecture can be dated to the second Roman and early Ptolemaic periods. According to historical records and archaeological findings, the Serapeum was the largest and most magnificent of all temples in the Greek quarter of Alexandria. It was destroyed and closed in 325 AD, likely on the orders of the Christian emperor Constantine.