Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", it has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Founded by the Macedonian king, Alexander the Great, in 331 BC near the fishing village Rhakotis, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. Under Ptolemy, Alexander's successor in Egypt, the new city begins a glittering career. Ptolemy recognizes in Alexandria the natural advantages which had attracted Alexander to the site. He makes it his capital and begins to transform it into one of the greatest centres of learning in the Greek world.
The Royal Library of Alexandria was once the largest in the world. It is usually assumed to have been founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II after his father had set up the temple of the Muses, the Musaeum (whence we get "Museum"). The Great Library contained several hundred thousand papyrus and vellum scrolls, including 123 plays by Sophocles and others by Aeschylus and Euripides. It contained a history of the world from the time of the Biblical Flood written by Prossos, a Babylonian monk. Fires and depredations during the Roman period gradually destroyed the Library. When Julius Caesar occupied Alexandria in 48 BC, Cleopatra urged him to help himself to the books. Obliging, he shipped tens of thousands to Rome. Marc Antony was rumored to have given Cleopatra the 200,000-scroll collection of rival library Pergamum to replace Alexandria's losses.
In addition to the library, Ptolemy plans the great lighthouse on the island of Pharos at the entrance to the harbour. It is built in about 280, under his successor Ptolemy II. It is by far the most impressive lighthouse of antiquity, becoming famous as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The lighthouse consists of a three-tier stone tower, said to be more than 120 metres high, which has within it a broad spiral ramp leading up to the platform where fires burn at night. They are reflected out to sea by metal mirrors. Above the fires is a huge statue, of either Alexander or Ptolemy in the guise of the sun god, Helios. The lighthouse survives until the 12th century. In the 15th century a fort, still standing today, is built from its ruins.
Alexandria weather shows characteristics of typical tropical desert hot climate, dry summers with moderate winters. The days are commonly warm or hot and nights are cool. Alexandria has only two seasons, a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. Alexandria has relatively high humidity, but sea breezes help keep the moisture down to a comfortable level.
The city is a commercial and economic centre, and about 80% of all of Egypt's imports and exports go through its harbours. Alexandria and its environs account for roughly two-fifths of Egypt’s industrial production. Most industrial development has taken place in the western approaches to the city, around the more modern Western Harbour and along its southern flank; industry is the city’s chief employment sector. Alexandria is also a very important tourist resort, with a 20 km long waterfront, serving the rich and middle class of Cairo where the summer heat can make life in the capital unbearable.
Public transportation system includes trains, trams, buses and taxis. Buses and minibuses cross Alexandria on two main roads, Corniche Road and Abu Keer / Horiyya Boulevard. Mahattat Ramla is the main tram station in the center of the city, trams are cheap and easy to figure out and a great way to get around Alexandria. Taxis are everywhere in Alexandria, they are painted black and yellow.
Education is highly valued in Egypt and for children between the ages of six and fifteen education in Egypt is free and compulsory. The education is presented by either the State System or the Azharite Religious System. Schools in the former system and private schools fall under the administration and supervision of the Ministry of Education and schools in the Azharite Religious System are supervised directly by the Egyptian Prime Minister. Alexandria University, situated in the heart of the city of Alexandria, offers academic specialization and professional education in arts, law, science, commerce, medicine, and agriculture.
Thirty metres high and built from Aswan pink granite, the Pompeii Column is thought to have been a present from the people of Alexandria to Emperor Diocletian who renounced his intention to destroy the city and slaughter the inhabitants following a rebellion. At the top of the hill lies the entrance to the Kom al-Shuqafa Catacombs dating from the first and second centuries AD. They were discovered by chance at the start of the twentieth century when the ground gave way under the weight of a donkey and the poor creature fell more than ten metres into a hole. Montaza Palace and Ras Al-Teen Palace are examples of some of the most impressive architecture in the country. Built in 1892 by Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the last khevive (lord) of Egypt, Montaza Palace is a sight to behold on the water’s edge.
Alexandria has a decent selection of nightclubs that serve alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages. With live music, famous singers, oriental dancers and world famous show stars. Alexandria is probably best known for its annual film festival, which attracts international attention, while during the rest of the year the city is alive with various religious and commemorative events.
