Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, and it boasts the largest seaport. It was named for its founder, Alexander the Great, and built at his bequest by Greek architect Dinocrates around 332 BC on the site of an old village called Rhakotis. The city quickly flourished as a prominent metropolis, hosting the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a famous learning center that housed the biggest book collection in ancient times. Notable residents include Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Euclid.

Alexandria was the seat of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, and one of the greatest cities in the Hellenistic world. It lost its status as capital, however, once Cairo was founded by Egypt ’s medieval Islamic rulers. After that Alexandria fell into a long period of decline. In the early 20th century the city regained some of its status as it became a popular vacation spot for wealthy Europeans. Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s primary port, as well as a thriving commercial and industrial center.