One of the greatest cities in the ancient world: Alexandria

 Alexandria

References:

"Pharos of Alexandria | Ancient Lighthouse, Alexandria, Egypt." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Dec. 2014. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

"Library of Alexandria | Ancient Library, Alexandria, Egypt." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.

Dunn, Jimmy. "The Sarapeion, including Pompay's Pillar In Alexandria, Egypt." TourEgypt. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

"Supreme Council of Antiquities - Sites." Supreme Council of Antiquities - Sites. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.

"Alexandria." Egyptian Monuments. N.p., 03 Mar. 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.

           

Alexandria is possibly the greatest metropolitan in the ancient world. The city's highly developed institutions and renowned architectural achievements rivaled Rome. Alexandria's wealth and marvels, such as the lighthouse and library made the city the envy of any empire.

The lighthouse of Alexandria (a.k.a. Pharos of Alexandria): Built by Sostratus of Cnidus and completed during the reign of Ptolemy II, 280BC. When finished the library was one of the tallest man made structures in the world. The library was considered one of the world's seven wonders.

The library was founded and maintained by the Ptolemy dynasty starting in the third century BC. The institution was renowned in the ancient world by scholars for being an incredible research and academic center.

Ptolemy I invented 'Serapis' who was a new god introduced to Egypt that had both Greek and Egyptian origins. The Serapeum was dedicated to Serapis. The lone pillar is all that remains of where the mighty temple in honour to Serapis stood. The temple was eventually destroyed by the Christians.

Located in Anfushi, five tombs are closely situated. The tombs date from 1-200BC. The design of the tombs highlight the fusion of Egyptian and Greek culture.  

Located in the centre of Alexandria are the ruins of an old roman amphitheatre. The structure originally dates back to 200AD. The amphitheatre was used for entertainment, such as music and poetry. The building had a capacity to hold six hundred citizens. Unfortunately, the amphitheatre was destroyed by an earthquake (600-700AD).