Alexandria

al-ig-ZAN-dree-uh · Modern Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria is a city of the biblical world.

What is known

Hometown of Apollos, the eloquent, Scripture-versed preacher who taught boldly in Ephesus before being further instructed by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-26)
Ships from Alexandria carried grain across the Mediterranean, including the vessel Paul sailed on toward Rome (Acts 27:6, 28:11)

History

Founded: Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC
Population: Estimated 400,000–500,000 residents in the 1st century AD, one of the largest cities in the Roman world after Rome
Industry: Major Mediterranean trade hub and center of Hellenistic learning
Coordinates: 31.1975° N, 29.8925° E

Archaeology

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a multi-level Roman-era burial complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles, remain one of the best-preserved sites from Roman Alexandria. Since 1992, underwater archaeologists have mapped submerged remains of the royal quarters lost to earthquakes and subsidence in late antiquity.

Pompey's Pillar, a Roman granite column in Alexandria actually associated with Emperor Diocletian — source & licence

Relief of Agathodaimon inside the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Alexandria — source & licence

Scripture references

Acts 18:24-26
Acts 27:6
Acts 28:11

On a modern map

Alexandria today

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