The Birth of Alexandria: An Ancient Megapolis

🏛️Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and became the largest and most modern city of antiquity.

🌊The city's unique location between the sea and a lake played a significant role in its history and development.

📚The Great Library of Alexandria was a renowned center of knowledge, housing up to 700,000 papyrus scrolls.

🌇Alexandria's urban planning, with its pre-planned grid pattern, represented a revolutionary approach to city design.

⚓The city's port was the most important in the Mediterranean, facilitating trade and bringing wealth to Alexandria.

Who founded Alexandria?

—Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.

What made Alexandria unique?

—Alexandria's unique location between the sea and Lake Mariotis, along with its innovative urban planning, made it stand out among ancient cities.

What was the significance of the Great Library of Alexandria?

—The Great Library of Alexandria was a renowned center of learning and knowledge, containing a vast collection of papyrus scrolls.

What was the purpose of the causeway in Alexandria?

—The causeway connected Alexandria to the island of Pharos and played a crucial role in the city's development and transportation.

Why was Alexandria known as a cosmopolitan city?

—Alexandria attracted people from various regions due to its thriving trade, cultural richness, and intellectual center.

00:03Alexandria, an ancient megalopolis, was born out of Alexander the Great's dream city and became the largest and most modern city of its time.

01:15The Great Library of Alexandria, housing up to 700,000 papyrus scrolls, was a renowned center of knowledge and attracted wise men and intellectuals from all over the world.

03:09The city's urban planning, with its pre-planned grid pattern and extensive city walls, represented a revolutionary approach in city design.

05:24The causeway in Alexandria, connecting the city to the island of Pharos, played a vital role in transportation and development.

07:32Alexandria's location between the sea and Lake Mariotis, along with its thriving port, made it a cosmopolitan hub of trade and cultural exchange.