The History of Babylon Fortress

Babylon Fortress is an Ancient Roman fortress on the eastern bank of the Nile Delta, located in the area which today known as Old Cairo or Coptic Cairo. The fortress was built almost 300 AD by Emperor Diocletian in order to protect the entrance to an ancient canal, previously rebuilt by Trajan, which attached the Nile with the Red Sea. It was at the boundary between Lower and Middle Egypt, where the river craft paid tolls when ascending or descending the Nile.

Within the fortress’s former enclosure are the present-day Coptic Museum, a convent, and several churches, including the Church of St. George and the Hanging Church. Babylon Fortress is called the birthplace of Cairo. It’s the oldest part of the city and it’s dates back to the Bronze Ages.

Babylon Fortress today has many Coptic structures built into its walls. The towers are 10 m high and have a diameter of 31 m. Babylon Fortress has a shape typical of Roman fortresses with five blocks of limestone and three blocks of brick. There are another 6 Coptic churches, a convent and the Coptic Museum within the walls. It is also called the Qasr El Shame or the Palace of Candles because candles illuminated the towers at the beginning of every month.

Babylon Fortress History

 

“A Guide to the Ancient Coptic Churches of Cairo”, O.H.E. KHS-Burmester records significant historical information about the fortress area. According to Burnmester, Ptolemy (121-151 A.D.), in his book “Geography”, mentions a town named Babylon which existed from Pharaonic times on part of a place of what is now included in Cairo. A canal path through this town to connect the Nile with the Red Sea.

Roman Emperor Trajan (98-117 A.D.) reopened this canal and also expanded and prepare a Fortress which was located at the southern end of the town. Babylon fortress, known as the “Castle ofBabylon”, or “Castle of Egypt” (Khemi), was further reopen by Emperor Arcadius (395-408 A.D.). There was a fluvial port at this location where ships could berth. In 335 A.D., the
Roman Emperor change shipping roades from Alexandria to the Babylon fortress.

The area of Old Cairo was the first step of present-day Cairo. At the time of the Arab conquest of Egypt, Babylon imitate to have been a huge city expanded northwards as far as Ten Dounias, the present district of al-Azbakiah, where there was a fortified outpost. The Arab general ‛Amr Ibn al-As captured this outpost and busy the city as far as the Castle of Egypt, to which he laid siege. On April 9th, 641 A.D.

this castle, which the Arabs named “Qasr ash-Sham’a” give up. After the Arab conquest of Egypt, the name Babylon was more usually used to denote the district immediately around the Castle of Egypt or Qasr ash-Sham’a. Later this became a quarter inhabited mainly by Christians.

Babylon fortress’ towers are about 10 meters high and about 31 meters in diameter. The walls are about 3 meters thick. The floor of the fortress is below the level of Street. George Street by about 6 m because of city construction over time.

If you go back with the history to twenty centuries ago, specifically in the middle of the second century AD, Babylon Fortress had been illuminated by candles, to reverberate a magical light that takes the eye of everyone passing the Nile, so it called “the palace of candles.” While the walls of this fortress wrapped around the governor’s palace and the houses of the Roman soldiers in elegant view. That was to show you how the Babylon Fortress in that time.

The Roman Emperor Trajan ordered to build a Fortress to obtain the Roman military, and it constituted the first line of defense from the side of the eastern gate of Egypt, and he had chosen this point especially to sit his Fortress in the middle cite of Egypt. It is connecting the tribal side with its seaside, which would spread the Romans’ control of
putting down any upheavel against them from the south or the north, as it formed an invincible fortress against the enemies, and a tower to balance any attack.

Babylon  Fortress Construction

 

Some historians think that the construction of the Babylon Fortress dates back to a historical time more than 19th centuries earlier than that of the Roman Emperor Trajan, and that it dates back to the hold of King Senusret III, one of the kings of the 12
the Dynasty, who ruled during the period from 1878 to 1839 BC.

Hanging Church

The Hanging Church came from its location above the gatehouse of Babylon Fortress. Its name taken from the fact that it built on the wall of 4th century BC. Roman fortress of Babylon the remains which are visible to Coptic Cairo. It’s date from 19th century , but the site is thought to have first been occupied by the church as early as the 3th century which make it one of the oldest Christian religious site in Egypt .

The entrance to the Hanging Church from a beautifully decorated gate on Mari Girgis St, which leads you to an open courtyard , flanked by mosaics , from which there are twenty nine steps to the Church .At the top of the stairs there are three wooden doors which decorated with geometric patterns , formed with decorative carvings in the stone wall.

Why Babylon Fortress Was Built?

 

According to the historian Diodorus Siculus, Babylon fortress goes back to the 19th century B.C, when the pharaoh of the 12th dynasty, Sesostris, after defeating the Babylonians at the close of an especially harsh war, took the prisoners to Egypt to make them as gladiators. But the prisoners rebelled and built immunization to defend the area where they reside, which from then on was named Babylon. According to the Coptic historian John, bishop of Nikiou in the 27th century, mentioned that this fortress was built by Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, when he occupied Egypt in the second half of the 6th century B.C.

Discovering Babylon Fortress: Your Questions Answered

 

What is the Babylon Fortress?

The Babylon Fortress is a significant archaeological site located in Cairo, Egypt. It dates back to the Roman period and is part of a historic area that includes the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.

Why was Babylon Fortress built?

It was constructed by the Romans to protect the region and control the Nile’s entrance, ensuring the safety and stability of the trade routes and the area’s strategic interests.

Can visitors access the fortress?

Yes, visitors can explore the remnants of the fortress. It is a popular tourist attraction, offering insights into ancient Roman engineering and Egyptian history.

What are the nearby attractions?

The fortress is in Old Cairo, near several landmarks like the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, all rich in history and culture.

How old is the Babylon Fortress?

The fortress dates back to the 1st century (around 30 BC) when it was established by the Romans during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

What remains of the Babylon Fortress today?

Parts of the fortress’s towers and walls are still standing. Visitors can see these remnants integrated into the architecture of nearby buildings, like the Coptic Church of St. George.

Is there an entrance fee?

Admission is typically required for the Coptic Museum adjacent to the fortress, but access to the immediate area of Old Cairo and many of its churches and landmarks can often be free.

What makes the fortress historically significant?

It is a testament to Roman military architecture in Egypt and played a role in the region’s defense and administrative control during ancient times.

How do I get to Babylon Fortress?

The fortress is accessible by public transportation. It is near the Mar Girgis metro station in Cairo, making it easy for visitors to reach.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available and recommended for those who want a deeper understanding of the site’s history and significance. They can offer additional context and information.

Can I visit Babylon Fortress anytime?

The site generally adheres to regular opening hours for tourists, typically from morning until late afternoon. It’s best to check current schedules before visiting.

Are there any dining options nearby?

Yes, there are several local restaurants and cafes in the Old Cairo area that offer a variety of Egyptian and international cuisine for visitors to enjoy.