The famous institution brought together some of the best scholars of the Hellenistic world paving the way for advancing the study of mathematics, astrology, anatomy to name a few. Alexandria also served as the setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Julios Ceasar and Mark Antony. The city remained an important trading port until a series of eartquakes and tidal waves pushed the city into decline. By the time Napoleon landed he found a sparsely populated fishing village.