Chapter 1: The Origins of Alexandria

Alexandria, a grand city established on the Egyptian coastline by Alexander the Great, is often celebrated for its remarkable history and rich cultural landscape. But how much of this legacy can be attributed to Alexander himself?

The city has often been described in glowing terms by ancient historians, yet its early days were far from illustrious. Long before Alexander's arrival, a humble Egyptian settlement named Rakotis existed here, likely tracing back to the 2nd millennium BCE. This location served as a sheltered harbor, providing ships with a safe retreat from storms and pirates, owing to its advantageous position between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mareotis.

As it evolved from a small fishing village into a key trade and defense center, Rakotis was viewed unfavorably by ancient writers, who depicted its inhabitants as bandits. Archaeological finds of Greek ceramics, Phoenician artifacts, and Cypriot seals suggest that the locals may have engaged more in piracy than in legitimate trade. However, this narrative shifted dramatically with Alexander's arrival in Egypt between 332 and 323 BCE, when he began to lay the groundwork for a vibrant and enduring metropolis.

Chapter 2: Founding a New Metropolis

In antiquity, Alexandria was often referred to as “Alexandria by Egypt” to distinguish it from the rest of the country. Alexander envisioned the city as a polis, akin to Greek city-states. According to Flavius Arrian, soothsayers foretold that “the city will flourish, particularly due to the fertility of the land.” Alexander’s knowledge of urban planning, acquired during his studies with Aristotle, played a significant role in the city’s design. He recognized the strategic importance of Rakotis and sought to enhance Egypt’s ties to the Mediterranean.

While some ancient authors praised Alexandria's climate, citing its temperate weather, others criticized it for its swampy air and pest issues. The reality likely lies somewhere in between, as modern Alexandria experiences mild winters and hot summers.

Chapter 3: Challenges of Construction

The establishment of Alexandria was not without its challenges. Legends speak of a dragon-like creature that hindered construction efforts, eventually defeated by Alexander's clever tactics. To safeguard the city’s future, Alexander appointed a protective deity, Agathos Daimon, associated with abundance and wine.

Urban planning was a personal endeavor for Alexander; he outlined the city’s boundaries and designated locations for key structures, such as the agora and temples dedicated to Greek gods. The city was systematically divided into five districts, each marked by Greek letters, highlighting Alexander’s purported intellect in solving ciphers.

As described by Strabo, the city was crisscrossed by wide streets capable of accommodating carriages. Among the notable structures was the gymnasium, celebrated for its expansive porticoes. Yet, Alexandria's fame was solidified mainly through the iconic Lighthouse of Pharos and the renowned Library of Alexandria.

This documentary explores the myths and realities surrounding the Lost Treasure of the Alexandria Library, shedding light on its historical significance.

The video delves into the intriguing contrast between the myths and historical facts regarding the Library of Alexandria, offering insights into its legacy.

Chapter 4: A Diverse Population

Alexander commanded the relocation of people from surrounding regions to populate the city, yet exact figures on its early inhabitants remain elusive. By the 1st century BCE, Diodorus Siculus estimated a population of 300,000 free individuals, excluding numerous slaves. The city was a melting pot of cultures, with Greeks, Egyptians, Nubians, Jews, Arabs, and others coexisting within distinct districts.

The societal structure was deeply hierarchical, with Greeks occupying a dominant position and Egyptians often relegated to a lower status. The ethnic diversity sometimes fueled tensions, despite intermarriages and shared interests. Religion served as a unifying factor, particularly through the worship of gods such as Isis and Serapis, which transcended cultural boundaries.

Chapter 5: The Decline of Alexandria

The allure of Alexandria captured the imaginations of many Roman emperors, including Augustus Octavian, who reportedly visited Alexander’s tomb. Its exact location remains disputed, but it is thought to have been near the Canopic Gate. Anecdotes from Octavian’s visit include a mishap where he inadvertently damaged Alexander's nose while attempting to kiss his likeness.

Despite its imperial connections, Alexandria faced numerous disasters over the centuries: fires, floods, earthquakes, and wars led to the loss of many historical treasures. The Christian era saw the destruction of numerous monuments and the transformation of pagan temples into churches. During these upheavals, scholars like Hypatia tragically lost their lives.

The city’s fate worsened with the Islamic conquest led by Caliph Omar in 642 AD, during which the name “Alexandria” faded back to the older “Rakotis.” However, the spirit of Alexander the Great persists, as the city is still known today as Al-Iskandarijja in Arabic.

Chapter 6: The Intellectual Heart

The Library and the Museion stood as beacons of knowledge in ancient Alexandria, located in the Royal District and established by the Ptolemies. Strabo describes the Museion as a place where scholars gathered, sharing meals and ideas, funded by the royal treasury. This environment fostered the development of various disciplines, from mathematics to medicine, attracting notable figures like Euclid and Archimedes.

The Library, the most renowned of its time, housed approximately 700,000 scrolls, making it a center for learning and scholarship. As Strabo noted, it was surrounded by a colonnade, containing a hall for meetings and study.

Chapter 7: Other Cities Named Alexandria

Alexander the Great founded several cities bearing his name. While Pseudo-Callisthenes mentions various Alexandrias, not all were established by him. Notably, Bucephaleia, near the Hydaspes River, was founded in honor of his horse, Bucephalus. Other cities, such as those near Babylon and the Tigris, were established later by the Seleucids.

Despite these inaccuracies, the legacy of Alexandria by Egypt remains unparalleled, symbolizing the vast cultural and intellectual achievements of the ancient world.

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