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Alexandria (Egypt)

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: The modern town of Alexandria, Egypt, was the capital city of the Ptolemaic dynasties of Egypt. The city is said to have been built on the ruins of the town of Rhakotis at the request of Alexander the Great about 330 BC, and is most famous for its lighthouse and library.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Rhakotis; and the "Pearl of the Mediterranean"

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