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The hieroglyphic name of Alexandria |
Alexandria was the capital of
Ptolemaic Egypt, founded in 331 B.C.E. by Alexander the essential as the result of a vision, the vanquisher chose the place of Rhakotis in the southwestern Delta of
the Nile. Rhakotis was an ancient town, dating to the
New Kingdom (1550-1070 B.C.E.) and was set on the westernmost Nile tributary. Two limestone rooftrees run parallel to the coast of Alexandria, the outer one breaking the waves and the inner ridge restrictive the city against shifting alluvium. Alexander ordered a causeway, called the Heptastadion, seven stades long, to link the rooftrees. Two ancient harbors were on either lateral: the Eunostos or Harbor of Safe Return on the west, and the extended Harbor on the east. A third harbor, on Lake Mareotis, linked the city to the Nile.
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Location of Alexandria |
Two suburban areas, Neopolis and the
Island of Pharos, were involved in Alexanders original plans. He did not continue in Egypt, however, and ne'er saw the city being constructed in his name. Alexanders viceroy, Cleomenes of Naukratis, was so the actual creator of Egypt's new capital, which was ideally situated for trade and commerce and expanded rapidly. Dinocrates, the Greek city contriver from Rhodes, managed the actual construction.
The center of the city was designed to provide trade centers, residences, sunken romances, and even catacombs. The
Serapeum, the devoted burial site and shrine of the sacred Apis bulls, was developed on the hill of Rhakotis in the citys oldest section. Royal residences, municipal buildings, and government seats were as well introduced. Two other structures as well got acclaim to the new capital: the Library of Alexandria and the lighthouse at Pharos. The continues of Alexander the extended were reportedly come out in the Soma of the city after being regenerated to the capital by
Ptolemy I Soter in 323 B.C.E. Ptolemaic mausoleums and the tombs of Antony and Cleopatra VII have disappeared over the centuries, along with the vanquishers body.
Thousands of new residents flocked to Alexandria, and awards of property, called a cleruchy, were given to foreign mercenaries who domiciled in the city and made themselves clear for military service. A Greek elite moved from Naukratis (el-Nibeira), the original Hellenic outstation, and some laws and regulating were given to protect their special status.
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