Alexandria
Alexandria is a major city in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea and the principal seaport of the country.
Alexandria is Egypt’s principal Mediterranean seaport and second-largest city. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it was a leading centre of ancient scholarship and commerce.
What it is
Alexandria lies on the Mediterranean coast at the western edge of the Nile Delta. It is Egypt’s main seaport and second-largest city, today a major industrial and cultural centre.
Why it matters
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became the capital of Egypt in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was renowned for the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, symbols of ancient scholarship.
Key details
The city served as Egypt’s capital until the Arab conquest in 642 CE. Now it remains a vital commercial hub and appears in Canadian education and travel coverage as one of the best-known cities of the ancient world.
In short
- Northern Egypt’s Mediterranean port city
- Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE
- Ancient centre of science and scholarship
- Now Egypt’s second-largest city and main seaport
Alexandria is a major historical and contemporary Mediterranean port city that appears in Canadian education, history, archaeology, and travel coverage as one of the best-known cities of the ancient world.
Quick questions
Where is Alexandria located?
Who founded Alexandria?
What is Alexandria known for historically?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlexandriaSupports: Location in Egypt, founding by Alexander the Great, status as second-largest city and principal seaport.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Alexandria-EgyptSupports: Historical role, founding date, geography, principal seaport, and area.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Alexandria-EgyptSupports: Ancient capital status, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Great Library, and modern commercial importance.