Alexandria, Egypt was founded by Alexander the Great in April 331 BC ,and became the capital of the Graeco-Egyptian world. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria also was called "The Pearl of the Mediterranean". The ancient port city was home for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - The Pharos of Alexandria (The Lighthouse of Alexandria). The port served as a primary center for commerce and trade linking Europe with the Middle East and all other points along the Mediterranean Sea.Alexandria Map It was an important route for merchants and travelers of ancient times that allowed for trade and cultural exchange between emergent peoples of the region.