The Alexandria founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC is located in modern-day Egypt. It stands on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast at the western edge of the Nile Delta.
Alexander founded the city after conquering Egypt from the Persian Empire. He selected a coastal site near an older settlement called Rhacotis and envisioned a major Greek-style port that could connect the Mediterranean world with the wealth of the Nile Valley. The city was named Alexandria, following Alexander’s practice of establishing settlements bearing his name.
The architect Dinocrates of Rhodes helped design the city, while Alexander’s viceroy Cleomenes continued its development after Alexander left Egypt. A causeway later connected the mainland to the island of Pharos, creating two important harbors.
Alexandria became the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and one of the ancient world’s leading centers of trade, scholarship, and culture. It is sometimes confused with other cities named Alexandria in places such as Syria or Turkey, but the famous city associated with Alexander’s 331 BC foundation is Alexandria in Egypt.