The ancient Fortress of Babylon was built close to a Pharaonic Canal (now Coptic Cairo). The first fortress on this site was built by the Persians around 6th century BC, the Romans used the Persian fortress to their advantage. Later, emperor Trajan (98AD – 117AD) moved the fortress to it’s current location.

This ancient fort had served it’s two main purpose in the past, first, it was at an ideal location to control traffic and trade along the Nile, and from the Red Sea canal. But it was also a refuge of Coptic Christians, who were persecuted by the Roman Christians in Alexandria. The fortress’ towers are almost 10 meters high and 31 meters in diameter and walls are almost 3 meters thick.

This fortress was absorbed by the Coptic churches over time and many had occupied the space of the ancient fortress. It is worth noting that when Muslims conquered Egypt, the powerhouse lied in Alexandria not in Cairo, later it was changed to Cairo by the Muslims.