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Alexandria

Alexandria is a major city in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea and the principal seaport of the country.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alexandria is a major city in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea and the principal seaport of the country. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it was one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world and a major centre of scholarship and commerce. It served as the capital of Egypt in antiquity and is now the second-largest city in Egypt.

History

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE and quickly became one of the leading cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It later served as Egypt’s capital until the Arab conquest in 642 CE and remained an important commercial centre.

Geography

The city lies on the Mediterranean Sea at the western edge of the Nile Delta. It stretches along Egypt’s northern coast and sits on land between the sea and Lake Maryut.

Ancient scholarship

In antiquity, Alexandria was renowned for learning and culture. It is associated with the Great Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, both symbols of the city’s historical significance.

Modern city

Today Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city and its main seaport. It is also a major industrial and cultural centre.

Key facts

  • Alexandria is located in northern Egypt along the Mediterranean coast.
  • It was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.
  • The city was an important ancient centre for science, culture, and scholarship.
  • Alexandria served as the capital of Egypt in the Hellenistic and Roman periods until 642 CE.
  • It is now Egypt’s principal seaport and one of the country’s largest cities.
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Canadian context

Alexandria is a major historical and contemporary Mediterranean port city that appears in Canadian education, history, archaeology, and travel coverage as one of the best-known cities of the ancient world.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Alexandria located?
Alexandria is in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean coast, at the western edge of the Nile Delta.
Who founded Alexandria?
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.
Was Alexandria once the capital of Egypt?
Yes. It served as Egypt’s capital from its founding until the Arab conquest in 642 CE.
What is Alexandria known for historically?
It was a major centre of Hellenistic scholarship, science, and culture, and was associated with the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
What is Alexandria’s role today?
It is Egypt’s principal seaport and one of the country’s largest and most important cities.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria
    Supports: Location in Egypt, founding by Alexander the Great, status as second-largest city and principal seaport.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Alexandria-Egypt
    Supports: Historical role, founding date, geography, principal seaport, and area.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Alexandria-Egypt
    Supports: Ancient capital status, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Great Library, and modern commercial importance.