The region of Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, holds a rich history and fascinating legends that make it a mysterious and captivating place.
Alexandria’s foundation dates back to 332 B.C. when Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian conqueror, arrived in Egypt. According to legend, Alexander had a dream in which the god Apollo urged him to build a great city in that location. Following the divine will, he founded Alexandria and turned it into an important cultural and trading hub of the ancient world.
One of Alexandria’s most famous events was the construction of its legendary lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse was built on the island of Pharos, near the city’s harbor, and served as a signaling tower to guide sailors to safe port. It’s believed to have been as tall as 140 meters and adorned with statues and reliefs. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century, but its splendor and magnificence live on in historical accounts.
Another legend surrounding Alexandria is that of the renowned librarian Eratosthenes, who calculated the Earth’s circumference with astonishing precision in the 3rd century B.C. According to the story, Eratosthenes noticed that during the summer solstice, at noon, there were no shadows in the city of Syene (present-day Aswan), while in Alexandria, a vertical rod cast a shadow. By measuring this shadow and the distance between the two cities, he managed to calculate Earth’s circumference.
The Library of Alexandria is another legend that has endured over the centuries. Founded by Ptolemy II in the 3rd century B.C., this library was one of the most significant centers of knowledge in the ancient world. It’s said to have housed hundreds of thousands of scrolls and manuscripts, becoming a source of wisdom for scholars from all over. Though the original library was destroyed in various fires and conflicts over the centuries, its legacy lives on and has inspired the construction of the modern Library of Alexandria.
One of Alexandria’s most intriguing stories is the legend of Alexander the Great’s tomb. After his death in Babylon in 323 B.C., his body is said to have been transported to Alexandria and buried in a sumptuous mausoleum. However, over time, the exact location of his tomb has remained a mystery, and many have tried to find it without success.
Alexandria was also home to the famous philosopher and engineer Hypatia, who lived in the 4th century A.D. and is considered one of the first female scientists in history. Her tragic death at the hands of an angry mob has been immortalized in literature and film, and her legacy as a defender of reason and knowledge endures.
The region of Alexandria has witnessed countless historical events and fascinating legends that make it an unmissable destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Every corner of this magical city tells a unique story that takes us on a journey through Egypt’s glorious past. So, are you ready to embark on an epic adventure and unravel the mysteries of Alexandria’s captivating past? Join us as we explore the wonders of this ancient coastal gem!
