تاريخ الإسكندرية القديم

Introduction

• Alexandria's ancient history is highlighted, dating back approximately 2330 years.
• Alexander the Great's journey from Macedonia, conquering Persia, is described.
• Alexander's expedition to Egypt was motivated by securing his army's flank and obtaining grain for Greece and his troops.

Alexandria's Founding

• Alexander's arrival in Egypt led to the submission of the region.
• Mazakes, the Persian governor, surrendered to Alexander, who was welcomed and recognized as pharaoh.
• Alexander's visit to the Temple of Amun in Siwa reinforced his Egyptian legitimacy due to priestly recognition.
• An exceptional location was chosen for the city, influenced by favorable factors.

Initial Considerations for Alexandria's Location

• Fresh water access from the Nile via the Canopic branch.
• Proximity to a small island, facilitating unification with the mainland; serving a defensive function.
• A lake (Lake Mareotis) in the south provided a further defense.
• A dry area, unaffected by Nile mud, allowing for preservation from floods.
• The elevation above the Delta protected the city from flooding.
• An existing settlement (Racotis) offered a foundation for the new city's growth.
• A desire to establish a significant international trading port in the region.

Alexandria's Design

• The Hippodamian plan was adopted, consisting of intersecting main streets at right angles.
• Supporting streets were oriented in a grid pattern.
• A bridge (Heptastadium) spanned the gap between the island and mainland (Pharos) to create an Eastern (Portus Magnus) and Western (Portus Eunostus) harbor.
• The Eastern Port was deemed more essential as the trading port.

Historical Accounts

• Strabo's account mentions the use of readily available lime in Alexandria's initial design.
• A shortage of lime necessitated the use of Egyptian soldiers' grain for later construction.
• The fertile location and presence of two bodies of water (Mediterranean and Lake Mareotis) was important for Alexandria's future growth.

Early History of the City

• Some historians claim the settlement that preceded Alexandria's construction already existed.
• The city incorporated a significant Egyptian community (Racotis).
• Key structures like the pharaoh's tomb, museum, library, royal palaces, and numerous temples (such as those dedicated to Serapis, Isis, and Harpocrates) were included.
• Alexandria's outward expansion encompassed locations including Shatbi, Camp Caesar, Ibrahimieh, and Mustafa Kamel's districts.
• The city was divided into five districts representing the first Greek letters: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon.

Alexandria's Lighthouse (Pharos)

• Built during Ptolemy II's reign (285-246 B.C.).
• Sostratos of Cnidus is credited with this engineering marvel.
• The lighthouse may have taken its name from the island or vice versa.
• Materials included stones, marble, bronze, and granite from Aswan.
• Funding was approximately 800 talents (equivalent to roughly 2000 pounds sterling today).

Historical Significance and Future

• Alexandria's unique combination of ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures continues to fascinate.
• The Lighthouse's structure and strategic value.
• Existing underwater artifacts add insight into Alexandria's past.
• Archaeological discoveries support Alexandria's importance as a significant cultural hub.