Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria became a city in Egypt because of Alexander the Great. In 332 BC he founded the city and named it after himself. He hired Dinocrates as the main architect, putting much responsibility in his hands. Oddly enough Alexander left before the town was ever finished and never again set foot in his namesake city. After his death, Ptolemy brought Alexander back to the city.

Much of the city was built on top of an already existing town. History shows that this seaport town was overrun by criminals and pirates. After those people were removed, Dinocrates set about building the city. Alexandria would go onto become the most important city in Egypt and the biggest city at that time. It was also known for its large population of Jewish people and the place where the first Greek Hebrew Bible was created. For nearly one hundred years it was also the site of a battle between Greeks and Romans, both who laid claim on the city.

This battle led to large portions of the city being destroyed, though it was later rebuilt. The city was later rebuilt after a tsunami caused by an earthquake killed a number of people and destroyed a lot of the buildings. The city has had a long and interesting history. Today it remains the main port of Egypt and the second largest city in Egypt, only behind Cairo.

Resources on Alexandria, Egypt include:

• History of Alexandria : gives a detailed history of the city.
• Alexandria History : focuses on the ancient history of the city.
• Alexandria : provides maps, history and sights in the city.
• Introducing Alexandria : offers travel information on the area.
• About the Area : provides helpful information for travelers on the sights and attractions in Alexandria.
• Photos of Alexandria, Egypt : gives photos taken in the area.
• Alexandria : offers photographs taken by a traveler to Alexandria.
• Eternal Egypt : gives information on the historic Auditorium.
• Alexandria Maps : provides maps of the eastern districts.
• Maps of Alexandria, Egypt : shows maps of the western districts in the city.

Located in Alexandria is the Great Pyramid at Giza. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it’s the only one that still exists. The first African American fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. uses the Great Pyramid at Giza as part of their heritage. The Lighthouse at Alexandria was another of the Seven Wonders located in the city, though this one no longer exists. The city also has one of the oldest markets in the world and was the site of the first calendar.

These are only a few reasons why so many people travel to Alexandria every year. They shop the markets for Greek apparel and visit the Great Pyramid. They embrace the history of the country, while learning more about the people who once lived there. It’s one of the only ancient cities that’s embraced modern lifestyles while still holding onto the past and their ancient buildings.