In contrast to the old Egyptian cities, which were inland, Alexandria was situated by the sea and designed for seafaring and trade. It contained a large natural harbor on one side and a lake and canals, fed by the Nile, on the other, with plenty of sites for docks. At its center stood the imposing buildings that expressed the ideals of Greek culture. There was a school, where pupils would learn Greek by studying Homer. Next to the school was a gymnasium, with a colonnade allegedly measuring over six hundred feet, for exercise and conversation. And, of course, there was a large theater.
