Alexandria was among the largest and most magnificent cities in antiquity. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, its architecture and culture even overshadowed those of the city of Rome. Palaces and temples dominated the skyline. The population had already passed the 100,000 mark shortly after Alexandria’s founding. The city’s 130 metres high Pharos lighthouse represented one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Alexandria was also famous for its huge library with about half a million roles of papyrus. Parts of the city’s royal quarter with its temples, palaces, royal gardens and harbour structures were situated in the eastern harbour, called the Portus Magnus.
Due to a combination of natural phenomena, including a series of earthquakes and tidal waves, the Portus Magnus and parts of the city’s ancient coastline sank beneath the sea and lay untouched for more than 1,000 years.
I am very much looking forward to the seminar series and meeting everybody online.
Best wishes,
Franck