Alexandria City

Alexandria City

Alexandria played a vital role in ancient history. It was connected to famous leaders like Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, Egypt’s last active pharaoh. Alexander himself founded Alexandria city in 332 BC. He intended it to be the heart of Hellenistic civilization. The city was important for spreading Hellenic culture throughout the Mediterranean.

For almost a thousand years, Alexandria was Egypt’s capital. This was during the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city lost its status when the Muslim invasion occurred in 641 AD. At that time, the city of Fustat became the new capital.

Location and Economy of Alexandria city

Alexandria city is Egypt’s second-largest city, after Cairo. It has a population of 3.5 million people and covers 2,679 square kilometers. The city stretches 32 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea’s coast. It is 138 kilometers northwest of Cairo.

Alexandria’s climate is pleasant year-round. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are wet. The city produces two-fifths of Egypt’s industrial output. Culturally, it is a showcase for art and beauty.

History and Attractions

Alexandria is a popular tourist destination because of its many magnificent monuments. Alexander the Great built the city in 331 BCE. He built it on a settlement called Racotis after visiting the Amun Temple in Siwa. He hired his chief architect, Dinocrates, to build a city that would reflect his vision.

One of its most famous landmarks was the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The Ptolemaic dynasty built it in 280 BC. It was 120-137 meters tall, making it the second-highest structure after the pyramids. Unfortunately, a series of earthquakes between 1303 and 1323 AD destroyed it. In 1477 AD, Sultan Quitbay built a fortress on the same site using the lighthouse’s blocks. It was meant to protect the city from naval invasions.

The city also has the Catacombs, which served as a final resting place for a Greek noble family. They are famous for blending Greek and Egyptian art.

Points of Interest

Alexandria was once known for its diverse population, including the world’s largest Jewish community. It also had the first Greek translation of the Hebrew sacred text.

The ancient Library of Alexandria was a hub for art and science. It held millions of scrolls and volumes. The Ptolemaic dynasty built it in the 3rd century BC. It was destroyed by fire in 48 BC. In 2002, a new library, Bibliotheca Alexandria, was built to honor the original.

The Pillar of Pompey, the tallest of its kind outside Rome, shows the city’s power under Roman rule. The Serapeum of Alexandria is an ancient Greek temple built by Ptolemy III. It was dedicated to the Greco-Roman god Serapis.

Later, the Mamluk and Fatimid dynasties transformed Alexandria into a naval and shipping port. The famous El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque is near the Citadel of Qaitbay. It honors the Sufi saint Abul Abbas al-Mursi.

Alexandria lost its splendor under Ottoman rule. However, it regained its charm during Muhammad Ali’s reign in 1805. It became one of the world’s most appealing locations once again.

Top-rated attractions and things to do in Alexandria

Egypt is a great place to visit for vacations

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