Is the geography of Alexandria a blessing or a curse and how did it come to be the most prosperous city in the world at one time?
At the fingertips of Africa's longest river and perched on the glistening Mediterranean Sea, you will find the once most prosperous city of Egypt. Just by looking at its size, one begins to wonder how Alexandria became so powerful, a hub for tourism and business. However, today’s high-rise glass buildings and the hubbub of the traffic below give no clue to the chequered history of the city. The most significant monument to Alexandria's days of glory, once an ancient wonder of the world, is now buried under the sea. Founded by Alexander the Great, by 365CE it was the most prominent commercial and cultural center of the Graeco-Roman world. A flourishing city, it was a place of rest for every sailor, merchant and traveller. Located on the northern coast of Egypt, the city is a short sail away from Greece and Italy. From here, the surplus of wheat from the Nile Valley was shipped to Rome. Africa’s largest river connects Alexandria to the farming regions of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, flowing 6,650km from Lake Victoria. These geographical advantages placed Alexandria as the most powerful city in Africa. However, the location was both a blessing and a curse, which led to the expansion and destruction of the economic powerhouse. Benefits
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