Alexandria, the ancient hub of culture and commerce
Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, was a major commercial, cultural, and intellectual hub in the ancient Mediterranean. Its diverse population and strategic location helped it flourish as a trade center. Despite its decline under Roman rule and subsequent invasions, Alexandria's influence in science, philosophy, and religion left a lasting mark on history. Today, the city remains an important urban center in Egypt, maintaining its rich legacy through ongoing cultural and economic activities.
Alexandria, also known by its Arabic name al-Iskandariyya, was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, near the Nile Delta. The city was built on a narrow strip of land between the sea and Lake Mariut (known as Mareotis in Greek), where the old fishing village of Rakhotis once stood. Alexander commissioned the Greek architect Dinocrates of Rhodes to design the city, which later became the final resting place of Alexander himself. Alexandria's strategic location and planning transformed it into a major economic and cultural center.
The Roman triumphal Pompey's pillar (it is one of the largest monolithic columns that have ever been erected) and a sphinx from the temple of the Serapis in Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was the commercial center of the Mediterranean.
Rise as a Major Economic Center
Initially, Alexandria's growth was fueled by the decline of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city that lost its economic dominance after being attacked by Alexander. Alexandria soon surpassed even Carthage, one of the ancient Mediterranean's most significant cities. It became a leading commercial hub during the Hellenistic period under the Ptolemaic rulers, eventually competing with Rome itself. Ships from Europe, the Arab world, and India traded in Alexandria, which became a vital port for the exchange of goods such as grain, spices, silk, and other commodities.
Cultural and Intellectual Importance
Alexandria was not only a commercial center but also a prominent cultural and intellectual hub. The city was home to two of the greatest libraries of the ancient world, which together housed between 500,000 and 700,000 scrolls. These libraries attracted scholars from all over the Mediterranean, including Euclid, the father of geometry, who wrote his famous work "Elements" there. The city also holds significance in Jewish history, being the location where the Hebrew Bible was first translated into Greek, known as the Septuagint.
Diverse Population and Cultural Exchange
The city's population was diverse, consisting of Greeks, Egyptians, and Jews. While Egyptians formed the bulk of the labor force, Greeks dominated the city's cultural and intellectual life. Alexandria was a melting pot of ideas and traditions, blending Hellenistic culture with local Egyptian customs, which contributed to its reputation as a center of learning and philosophy.
Roman and Later Decline
Following the suicide of Cleopatra in 32 BCE, Alexandria came under Roman rule, led by Augustus (formerly Octavian). The city initially prospered under the Romans, remaining a crucial trading center, especially in the grain trade. However, its importance began to decline due to several factors: a Jewish revolt in 116 CE weakened the city, and a massacre of its male inhabitants was ordered by Emperor Caracalla in 215 CE. As other cities like Constantinople and Cairo rose to prominence, Alexandria's role diminished.
Invasions and Modern Revival
In the 7th century, Muslim Arab forces invaded Alexandria, leading to its decline as Cairo emerged as a new rival. By the medieval period, Alexandria's significance had waned, and it remained a secondary city until its revival in the 19th century, driven by developments like the SUMED pipeline and the expansion of its port.
Alexandria's Intellectual Legacy
Despite its decline, Alexandria's legacy as a center of learning continued. The city was a focal point for studies in philosophy, science, and medicine, and it was home to scholars like Euclid and Eratosthenes. The Alexandrian school of thought also played a significant role in early Christian theology, producing influential thinkers like Clement, Origen, and later Hypatia, a renowned philosopher and mathematician.
Modern Alexandria
Today, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port, with a diverse population engaged in trade, industry, and agriculture. Its economy has been bolstered by its strategic location, connecting Egypt to global trade routes. The city's modern revival also includes the construction of the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, symbolizing its enduring legacy as a beacon of knowledge and culture.
Last update: October 9, 2024
DONATE Go to definitions: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
See also: