# Destruction of the Serapeum (391)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/391-destruction-of-the-serapeum
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Themes: Politics

The great pagan temple of Serapis in Alexandria is destroyed amid Theodosius' anti-pagan legislation. At this point in the timeline (391), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Siricius (17 December 384 – 26 November 399).

## Why it matters
Destruction of the Serapeum mattered because it changed the relationship between the churches and political power.

Pope at the time: [Pope Siricius](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-siricius)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Serapeum of Alexandria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serapeum_of_Alexandria)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Destruction of the Serapeum](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Destruction+of+the+Serapeum)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)