E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pompey’s Pillar,
in Alexandria. A pillar erected by Publius, Prefect of Egypt, in honour of the Emperor Diocletian, to record the conquest of Alexandria in 296. It has about as much right to be called Pompey’s pillar as the obelisk of Heliop’olis, re-erected by Ram’eses II. at Alexandria, has to be called Cleopatra’s Necdle, or Gibraltar Rock to be called a Pillar of Her’culs.
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Pompey’s pillar is a Corinthian column nearly 100 feet high, the shaft being of red granite.
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