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When two British sailors saw the ancient Roman column 'Pompey's Pillar,' they climbed it and ate steaks at the top

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When two British sailors saw the ancient Roman column 'Pompey's Pillar,' they climbed it and ate steaks at the top

Pompey's Pillar is a Roman triumphal column. It's located in Alexandria, Egypt though. With a height of 20.46 meters and a diameter of 2.71 meters, it is one of the largest ancient monoliths and the largest monolithic column ever built.

The column was built in 297 AD to commemorate Roman emperor, Diocletian's, victory over an Alexandrian revolt. It is called "Pompey's Pillar" because it was accidentally dated as being built during emperor Pompey's time.

In 1803, British Commander John Shortland of the HMS Pandour flew a flag over the column. He then was able to get a rope ladder over it. Then he and the ship's Master, John White, climbed the column. When they reached the top, they flew a Union Jack flag and toasted King George III. Three days later, they again climbed the pillar and again toasted the king. They also set up a weather vane and ate a steak.

(Source)


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