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Alexandria Facts |
Alexandria Overview |
Alexandria Tourist Attractions Alexandria Location Map | Alexandria City Map |
Geography: Alexandria has the second largest seaport of Egypt and is located on the Mediterranean coast. It is also the second largest city in Egypt. The ancient Alexandria or the Greek Alexandria is divided into three regions: Brucheum, the Jews' quarter, and Rhakotis, on the west. Alexandria originally consisted of the island of Pharos joined to the mainland by a sea wall which is nearly 1260 m long and is called the Heptastadion. The east of the mole is flanked by the Great Harbor. The port of Eunostos, lie on the west with its inner basin Kibotos. Alexandria with its vast history is a city full of monuments.
History: the city of Alexandria was founded by the Macedonian leader Alexander the Great in 332 BC. He was received in Egypt with a warm welcome by the Egyptians with a hope of getting rid of the tyrannical Persian rulers. While on his way to a temple in Siwa oasis he came across a small fishing village which he later on named as Alexandria. Due to innumerous earthquakes and flood caused by river Nile the early city of Alexandria is sunk in the Mediterranean. Alexandria had served as Egypt’s capital during the Greek, Roman and Byzantine ages. It was only after the Arabs invasion in 642 AD Fustat became the Egyptian capital.
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The history of Alexandria can be divided into several ages:
Hellenistic Age: This is the period of Alexandria’s transformation from a military dominated place by the Greek soldiers to a city of royal gardens, white marble columns and wide streets. A period when Alexandria reached the height of cultural, political and economical prosperity was during the Hellenistic rule. It was the capital city during this time and was famous for its ancient university with its scientific compound, and the lighthouse which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World today.Roman Age: Romans took over the city in 80 BC under the influence of Ptolemy Alexander. Since then Alexandria remained under the Romans for more than a hundred years. It was during the Roman Age when Caesar and Cleopatra fell in love with each other in 47 BC.
Byzantine Age
Islamic Age: The religion of Islam was led by Amr Ibn-el-'Aas in Alexandria. The came from Arabia and captured the fort of Babylon even before Alexander invaded the city. The Arab’s interest in Cairo emerged as a reason for decline in the glamour of Alexandria. They were more interested in horse riding than sailing so they shifted their capital from Alexandria, which is located beside the Mediterranean to Cairo.
Modern Age: By the late 18th the Mamelouk rule was nearing its end and corruption had reached its height. Heavy taxes were levied on them and they were economically broken.
Economy: Egypt observed a strong economic growth in the past few years. It had a growth of 4.5% divided in GDP. Egypt's economy has a great diversity, from agriculture, textiles, fishing to oil industries.
Transport System:
- Airways: The El Nouzha Airport located at 7km from the city is the only airport in Alexandria. Borg Al Arab Airport also serves Alexandria which is located on the Desert Road. It is about 25 km from the city.
- Railways: Misr Station is the main railway station in Alexandria. The rail tracks stretches from this station to Abu Qir. Tram runs throughout the city.
- Roadways: The city of Alexandria is very well connected with roads. There are four highways: The International coastal road, the Desert Road, the Agricultural road, and the Circular road or the Turnpike. Buses, mini-buses and taxis run all over the city.
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