Bibliotheca Alexandrina
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After its foundation, Alexandria became the seat of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and quickly grew to be one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world. Only Rome, which gained control of Egypt in 30 BC, eclipsed Alexandria in size and wealth. The city fell to the Arabs in AD 641, and a new capital of Egypt, Fustat, was founded on the Nile.
Founded in 331 BC by 25-year-old Alexander the Great, Alexandria (Al Iskendariyya) is the stuff of legend. Its towering Pharos lighthouse, marking the ancient harbour's entrance, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and its Great Library was considered the archive of ancient knowledge.
Apr 3, 2024 · The namesake city of Alexander the Great, the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, the once largest city in the world, the battleground of Cleopatra and the Romans, the home of two ancient wonders of the world and a leading center of learning… those are just a few things that make Alexandria a city worth visiting.
Alexander the Great founded the city in 332 bce after the start of his Persian campaign; it was to be the capital of his new Egyptian dominion and a naval base that would control the Mediterranean.
Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt - Alexandria Attractions. Explore popular experiences. See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Hot Air Balloon Rides (133) Private and Luxury (228) Art Galleries (9) Sailing (72) City Tours (155) Shopping Malls (3) Archaeology Tours (437) Full-day Tours (443)
Alexandria, Arabic Al-Iskandariyyah, City (metro. area pop., 2006: 4,110,015) and chief seaport, northern Egypt. It lies on a strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Maryūṭ (Mareotis).
Founded by Alexander the Great (Iskander al-Akbar) in 331 BCE, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt; its status as a beacon of culture is symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse. There had long been a fishing village here, called Rhakotis, but Alexander had greater plans for it.
