Alexandria: A History and a Guide

Spanning more than two millennia, this volume paints a vivid portrait of a city that has repeatedly reinvented itself. Beginning with Alexander the Great’s founding, it walks readers through the glittering Ptolemaic era, the rise of Cleopatra, and the flourishing of ancient science and literature, before turning to the transformative Christian and Arab periods. The narrative is deliberately concise, offering just enough detail to spark curiosity while pointing listeners toward the landmarks that still echo those ages.

The second half transforms the historical tour into an on‑the‑ground companion, complete with maps, practical tips, and cross‑references that link each story to a modern site—whether the ruins of the Pharos, the spot where Hypatia met her fate, or the monuments of the Napoleonic campaigns. Designed for both the armchair historian and the wandering visitor, it makes the layers of Alexandria’s past accessible and alive for anyone exploring its streets today.