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Alexandria: from 332 BC
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Alexander the Great decides that the small Egyptian port of Rhacotis is a natural base for future operations in the eastern Mediterranean. It is close to the delta of the mighty Nile, but far enough removed to avoid silting up; it has a protective island, Pharos, a little way offshore; and it is well placed for trade or warfare with the middle east. Alexander builds a new suburb beside the old town (inhabited already for more than 1000 years) and calls old and new jointly after himself - Alexandria.
Under Ptolemy, Alexander's successor in Egypt, the new city begins a glittering career.
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