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Alexandria: A History and a Guide

by E. M. Forster (1879–1970)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 16 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Alexandria: A History and a Guide" by E. M. Forster is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the rich and complex history of Alexandria, covering its evolution from the time of its founding by Alexander the Great to the modern era, while also providing a practical guide for visitors today. The text delves into significant periods such as the Greco-Egyptian times, the Christian era, and the Arab conquest, all framed in a way that connects historical events with contemporary landscapes. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration by outlining its two main components: a detailed history and practical guidance for travelers. The history section begins with an account of Alexandria's geographical significance, its heroic foundation, and the pivotal figures such as the Ptolemies and Cleopatra. Forster’s writing emphasizes the blend of cultures and the city's unique characteristics over the centuries, thereby inviting readers to appreciate both its past and present. The practical guide section promises to connect visitors with the historical sites mentioned, ensuring that the city’s ancient legacy is tangible and accessible to those who explore its streets today.

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  • Alexandria (Egypt) · History
  • Alexandria (Egypt) · Guidebooks

Read the opening

Section I: — — — -

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The situation of Alexandria is most curious. To understand it we must go back many thousand years.

Ages ago, before there was civilization in Egypt, or the delta of the Nile had been formed, the whole of the country as far south as Cairo lay under the sea. The shores of this sea were a limestone desert. The coastline was smooth as a rule, but at the north-west corner an extraordinary spur jutted out from the main mass. It was not more than a mile wide, but many miles long. Its base is not far from the modern Bahig. Alexandria is built half-way down it, and its tip is the headland of Aboukir. On each side of it there used to be deep salt water.

Centuries passed, and the Nile, issuing out of his crack above Cairo, kept carrying down the muds of Upper Egypt, and dropping them as soon as his current slackened. In the north-west corner they were arrested by this spur, and began to silt up against it. It was a shelter not only from the outer sea, but from the prevalent wind. Alluvial land appeared; the huge shallow lake of Mariout was formed; and the current of the Nile, unable to escape through the limestone barrier, rounded the headland of Aboukir, and entered the outer sea by what was known in historical times as the “Canopic” Mouth.

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Contents

  1. Preface
  2. Part I: — — — -
  3. Section I: — — — -
  4. Section II
  5. Section III: — — — -
  6. Section IV: — — — -
  7. Section V: — — — -
  8. Conclusion
  9. Part II: — — — -
  10. Section I: — — — -
  11. Introduction
  12. Section II: — — — -
  13. Section III: — — — -
  14. Section IV: — — — -
  15. Section V: — — — -
  16. Section VI: — — — -
  17. Section VII: — — — -
  18. Section VIII: — — — -

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About this edition

This free edition of Alexandria: A History and a Guide by E. M. Forster comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #57010, released 2018-04-21. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Travel Writing, History - Other.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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