Caesareum of Alexandria

The Caesareum of Alexandria is an ancient temple located in Alexandria, Egypt. It was begun by Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic kingdom in ancient Egypt, as a grand building to honor important figures in her life, either her lover Julius Caesar or later Mark Antony. After Cleopatra and Mark Antony were defeated, the Roman emperor Augustus finished the temple and dedicated it to himself.

Over time, the Caesareum changed purpose. In the late 4th century, it was turned into a Christian church and became an important place for religious leaders, including Cyril of Alexandria, who served as the Patriarch of Alexandria.

Much of the Caesareum has disappeared, but some parts lasted until the 19th century. Two famous ancient stone pillars called Cleopatra's Needles that once stood in the temple now rest in Central Park in New York City and near the Thames Embankment in London. Modern underwater explorations led by Franck Goddio and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) have helped historians learn more about this amazing old building.

Today, a large statue of Saad Zaghloul, a leader from Egypt's nationalist past, stands where the Caesareum once stood, reminding people of both the ancient and modern history of Alexandria.