[Centre for Egyptological Studies of the RAS]

Archaeology

Alexandria

General Information

Model of the Pharos Ligthouse at Taposiris Magnum

The history of Alexandria, which the second largest city in Egypt, began in 332 BC, when Alexander The Great founded the capital of his huge empire. However construction of the first city buildings was only finished half a century later by Ptolemy II Philadelphius (285–246 BC). From this time Alexandria became not only the new capital of Egypt but also the cultural center of the Hellenistic world. The famous Alexandrian Museon and the Library attracted scholars from all over the Ancient World; while the Lighthouse of Pharos a miracle of that time. But after the decline of the Roman Empire Alexandria fell into decay. Wars and earthquakes have destroyed the main buildings, and the city itself submerged in the Mediterranean.

For the last decade the French teams have been discovering ancient cities, palaces, ports and other monuments, which were hitherto known only by written sources. Russian scholars have also receives a chance to investigate a part of sea zone of Alexandria.

In 2003 the Centre for Egyptological Studies of the RAS was granted a permission to study the coastal area beginning at the Anfushi Bay till Agami region. In April 2003 the CES RAS conducted the first season of the Russian Underwater Archaeological Mission to Alexandria.

S. Ivanov